Update on the Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Potential Pandemic Outbreak

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) confirms that the influenza A (H1N1) virus has rapidly spread across the world. While influenza activity would normally be expected to decline during the summer months, surveillance data suggests that the virus has continued spreading within communities. It is thought to spread from person to person in the same way as seasonal influenza. The transmission of the virus occurs predominantly through coughing or sneezing.

Health authorities around the world, and in Canada, suggest that another wave of the H1N1 virus will occur this winter. SSHRC senior management recognizes the significance and seriousness of a possible outbreak and has collectively decided that this issue is to be treated as a top priority. Recent concerns raised by various external stakeholders have prompted the council’s senior management to authorize this communiqué.

An action plan has been developed as part of an integrated response framework for the council, its staff, and all stakeholders and clients. Risk mitigation strategies are currently being assessed and developed to deal effectively with a possible pandemic within the National Capital Region. Some of the key initiatives included in the Pandemic Influenza Business Continuity Plan (BCP) include:

• approval by SSHRC senior management for the creation of a specific BCP to deal effectively with this potential outbreak;
• development of a communications strategy aimed at providing stakeholders with updates on the H1N1 virus; and
• creation of a web-based section regarding the H1N1 virus on the Internet aimed at providing up-to-date information to all stakeholders.

The first draft of SSHRC’s BCP will be available on or about September 28 and every effort will be made to keep this information up-to-date.

Should you have any further questions, please direct them to SSHRC’s Occupational Health, Safety and Security Officials, by calling 613-992-6999.