‘Interim planning considerations for mass gatherings in the context of pandemic (H1N1)2009 influenza’

WHO has issued a new guidance document which reviews the issues around mass gatherings during periods of high influenza infectivity.

‘Interim planning considerations for mass gatherings in the context of pandemic (H1N1)2009 influenza’ was prepared during September and October 2009 by WHO staff and was reviewed by WHO's Virtual Interdisciplinary Advisory Group on Mass Gatherings.

The document concludes that ‘there is ample documentation that mass gatherings can amplify and spread infectious diseases’ and that ‘respiratory infections, including influenza, have been frequently associated with mass gatherings. Such infections can be transmitted during the mass gathering, during transit to and from the event, and in participants’ home communities upon their return’.

In the light of the above, the document outlines key planning considerations for organizers of mass gatherings.

Review of the document is planned in the first quarter of 2010.

Read ‘Interim planning considerations for mass gatherings in the context of pandemic (H1N1)2009 influenza’ as a PDF

•Date: 17th Nov 2009• Region: World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
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