ADB Takes Swift Measures to Prevent Spread of Influenza A(H1N1)

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has taken swift measures to contain any possible spread of the influenza A(H1N1) virus, after one of its staff members tested positive for the virus.

It has immediately activated its comprehensive Pandemic Crisis Management Plan that includes monitoring of close contacts of the affected staff and stepped-up personal hygiene awareness and educational campaigns for all staff, co-workers, and dependents in line with recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Philippines' Department of Health (DOH).

In implementing the Pandemic Crisis Management Plan, ADB reaffirms its commitment to the health and well-being of its staff as well as the wider community.

The staff member, who has just returned from the US and reported mild flu symptoms, has been sent for observation and is receiving treatment in hospital.

ADB's Pandemic Crisis Management Team is closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary steps to ensure that staff, their dependents, and co-workers are protected and informed. ADB expects the containment measures to remain in place for several weeks, and stresses that the present precaution measures, sufficient to cope with the current situation, will be revised if required.

In most cases, the influenza A(H1N1) virus causes mild respiratory problems and other symptoms similar to those associated with seasonal flu. According to WHO, influenza A(H1N1) virus is of low severity, with very few fatalities out of all reported cases worldwide, occurring among people with underlying illnesses, such as chronic respiratory disease.(EOM)