Marsh Insights: Avian Influenza - Preparing for the Risk of a Pandemic In Asia

Following recent media reports concerning confirmed deaths from Avian Influenza (H7N9) among the human population in China and from Avian Influenza (H5N1) in Vietnam, Marsh Risk Consulting has outlined the risk implications for businesses arising from a possible human pandemic. While there have been many more infections and deaths associated with A(H7N9), commonly referred to as Bird Flu, there have been no reported cases of human-to-human transmission as of yet. However, given the severity of the symptoms of A(H7N9) and the outbreak of other strains, businesses should be reviewing their risk management and business continuity programs.

Bird flu is common in fowl, such as chickens, and usually only contracted by people in close contact with infected animals.