Watch out for Olympic fever
2012 is now truly upon us, and the forthcoming London Olympic Games are starting to generate increased excitement, coverage and interest. But with little over six months to go until the Games begin on 27th July, it is important that, amongst the sporting excitement, we bear in mind the broader health risks that a mass event like this can present.
Public health experts have recently been warning that attending mass gatherings, such as the Olympics, could put people at risk of all kinds of infections and diseases. Reports have suggested that with the increased air travel, the spread of these diseases could have “potentially serious implications to health, security, and economic activity worldwide.”
A series of reports in the Lancet Infectious Disease journal have been highlighting the fact that, come the London Games, many people, from across the world, will be packed closely together, which could result in a hotbed of diseases. The potential consequences of this could arise not only when the world descends on the host nation, but may extend globally when people return back to their home countries.
Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar, from the University of East Anglia, writes that there are risks from diseases already in the host country and from the home countries of the visitors, citing an outbreak of influenza at the World Youth Day in 2008 as an example of how mass gatherings can represent a significant public health risk. Indeed, aside from diseases, reports have also highlighted the practical challenges of managing large numbers of people, pointing to the stampede at the 2010 Love Parade inGermanyin which 21 people died and 500 were injured.
However, Prof. Brian McCloskey, who is in charge of the Health Protection Agency’s preparations for London 2012, has attempted to alleviate these concerns, saying: “The history of the Olympic Games suggests infection doesn’t happen often. The issue for us is to make sure the right system is in place to respond.” His hope is that improved disease surveillance, incorporating data from hospitals and walk-in centres, should “leave a legacy of probably the most comprehensive disease surveillance system in the world.”
The London Olympics are sure to be a tremendous sporting spectacle that will bring great enjoyment to many, but whether you’re attending the Games or not, it is vital as an expatriate that you don’t allow them present a risk to your health. Should you encounter an illness spread from a mass public event, it would be hugely reassuring to know that if it became serious, you would be covered. To discuss the William Russell Health plans in more detail, click here to run a quote through our website. Alternatively, click here to request a call-back from a member of the William Russell team.
Source – BBC News, 16 Jan 12
