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If a pandemic strain of influenza spreads around the world, it will almost certainly spread via air travel. Unlike SARS, influenza victims can be contagious before they show symptoms, making detection more problematic.
In Hong Kong, they are working out ways to try to reduce the risks of a pandemic via air travel.
August 30, 2007
More avian flu prevention in air travel urged
Director-General of Civil Aviation Norman Lo has called for a regional push to curb the spread of avian flu and cut its impact on air travel, due to its potential to spark a human pandemic.
Opening the two-day Co-operative Arrangement for Preventing the Spread of Communicable Diseases through Air Travel First Steering Committee Meeting today, Mr Lo said the International Civil Aviation Organisation has initiated the arrangement to co-ordinate the co-operative arrangements among participating jurisdictions and airports to reduce the risk of spreading avian influenza and similar illnesses via air travel.
About 60 delegates from 25 organisations, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation, World Health Organisation, International Air Transport Association and Airports Council International are attending the meeting.
Aviation and medical experts will discuss the implementation of the International Civil Aviation Organisation's guidelines for preventing the spread of communicable disease through air travel and identify effective preventive measures.
Delegates will also tour Hong Kong International Airport and see the measures and equipment adopted for preventing the spread of communicable diseases.
