Businesses Gather to Prepare for Pandemic Influenza

Scientists cannot yet determine whether the H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) strain -- which has ravaged the poultry industry in Asia, infected birds in Africa and Europe and sickened more than 260 people, killing 158 -- will cause the next human influenza pandemic. It is certain, though, that another human influenza pandemic will occur. In response to this eventuality, the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) is hosting its second national summit to gather and advise business and industry leaders on planning for pandemic influenza. The Business Preparedness for Pandemic Influenza: Second National Summit is scheduled for February 5-6, 2007, in Orlando, Fla.

The 2007 summit will feature presentations by the nation's leading experts on pandemic influenza, business preparedness and international security, including former U.S. Secretary of State Dr. Madeleine Albright; World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan; Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of CIDRAP; Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; John Barry, author of The Great Influenza and Distinguished Visiting Scholar, Tulane University; and Dr. Peter Sandman, Risk Communication Consultant.

"Last year's summit was widely acclaimed as a seminal event in facilitating preparedness within the private sector," said Michael Osterholm, CIDRAP director. "Since then, more than half of America's 100 largest businesses have turned to CIDRAP for information on business preparedness for pandemic influenza. The 2007 summit is another opportunity to join an elite group of business and government leaders to review progress -- or lack thereof -- during the past year in both the private and public sectors. Attendees will also delve into the specific tools necessary for the particular preparedness responsibilities within their organizations."