Introduction

In past centuries, millions have died from diseases imported from other countries. Such risks remain a significant threat to health and safety. Nowadays, pandemics are likely to:

1. Be promulgated by air transport
2. Adversely affect the efficiency and potentially, the safety of aviation operations
3. Impact national economies and private enterprises that rely on aviation
4. Expose aviation workers and travellers to health risks

Personnel working in the aviation sector should be aware of how public health events might affect the industry, as well as their own health. They should know how to respond to a public health event. Such events include an influenza pandemic or a widespread outbreak of a new type of disease e.g. a new type of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) virus.