English
INTERNATIONAL SOS ANNOUNCES SUMMER HEALTH THREATS FOR BUSINESS TRAVELLERS THIS SEASON
Trevose, PA
DURING AN INTERACTIVE WEBINAR, TRAVEL HEALTH EXPERTS REVEALED GLOBAL HEALTH THREATS ON THE HORIZON THAT ORGANISATIONS AND ITS TRAVELLERS SHOULD KEEP ON THEIR RADAR
International SOS, the world's leading medical and security risk services company, recently held an interactive webinar to discuss global health threats expected to negatively affect business travellers during the 2018 summer season. Throughout the discussion, travel heath experts also offered recommendations and proactive solutions organisations can use to ensure the safety of their mobile workforce and avoid reputational damage.
International SOS Group Medical Director, Dr. Myles Druckman, and Consulting Physician and Corporate Medical Advisor, Dr. Jorge Garcia, hosted the webinar using research found from recent cases handled by the International SOS global case management platform. Key global health threats organisations and its business travellers should be aware of this summer season include:
- Infectious Bites: Mosquito and tick-borne illnesses such as the Zika Virus, West-Nile Virus, and Lyme Disease continue to be threats this summer season, especially as the weather gets warmer and breeding season for mosquitoes and ticks is occurring. If you are travelling to remote areas be aware of local threats like Nipah Virus, which is an evolving threat in certain parts of India.
- Flu Virus: Flu illnesses cause a lot of workplace disruption and spread easily amongst colleagues. While Flu season is over here, business travellers travelling to tropical areas and locations in Southern hemisphere are at risk. Limiting exposure and maintaining good hygiene is important to avoid the flu while travelling.
- Natural Disasters/Environmental Threats: Whether you are travelling or at a work location, understanding the local environmental risks is critical. Hurricane and wildfire season is now active, so ensure you are prepared. Additionally, air pollution is a surprisingly common disruptor and health risk for people internationally.
- Norovirus: Norovirus is a very contagious virus caused by contaminated food or water, or contaminated surfaces. Travellers, particularly those on cruises, are at risk, so maintaining hygiene and eating and drinking appropriately is important.
During the webinar, Dr. Druckman and Dr. Garcia shared the most effective ways to mitigate risks including keeping track of employee travel, implementing preventative plans that include comprehensive incident management plans, and having constant threat surveillance and up-to-date resources. They also advised corporations to keep track of employee travel history, as oftentimes, symptoms do not appear until after business travellers return.
International SOS’ Enterprise Health Security Center (EHSC) provides businesses with tools and resources they need to effectively mitigate risks. To learn more, visit: https://www.internationalsos.com/us/enterprise-health-security-center
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Notes to Editors
About the International SOS Group of Companies
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity and sustainability.
Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by 12,000 organisations, including the majority of the Fortune 500, as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions and NGOs. 12,000 multicultural medical, security and logistics experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.
To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com
