International SOS to Host Webinar on Pandemic Preparedness

WHO: Experts from International SOS, the world's leading provider of integrated medical, international healthcare and security assistance services, will discuss the recent discovery of a new strain of bird flu and review the preventative measures that should be taken in light of the news.

John Oxford, Ph.D.

Scientific Director of Retroscreen Virology, Ltd., Professor of Virology at St. Bartholomew's and the Royal London Hospital, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry, London

Doug Quarry, MBBS, MSc

Medical Director, Medical Information and Analysis, International SOS

WHAT:  The recent FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations) notification of a strain of bird flu (H5N1) not prevented by current poultry vaccines has sparked worry about the implications of the virus should it spread among humans. This news has added fuel to an already active discussion in pop culture of deadly viruses, spurred by the new film "Contagion," opening in theaters September 9. Real and cinematic scenarios alike have prompted some organizations to reconsider and revamp their plans and procedures for an infectious disease outbreak affecting communities and employees on a global scale. Prof. John Oxford, who recently held international discussions with experts who are examining this recent development, will join Dr. Doug Quarry to discuss the following topics:

• What is the real risk of another influenza pandemic? Has it increased?

• When might the pandemic occur?

• How severe might a bird flu H5N1 influenza pandemic be?

• How prepared are we as a nation, and internationally, for a deadly virus?

• What extra precautions should travelers and expatriates take when visiting / living in affected countries?

Following the discussion, webinar attendees are invited to participate in a Q&A session with the keynote speakers listed above.

WHEN:

Friday, Sept. 9, 2011

11 a.m. EDT

HOW:

Follow this link to join the webinar.

If you are unable to attend, use this link to request a recording, to be emailed no later than three business days after the webinar.

WHO:  Human resources, security, risk and safety, travel, medical and business continuity professionals will benefit from this webinar.