01 October 2024
Towergate urges global employers to take urgent action on communicable diseases
With the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recently issuing an update on Oropouche Fever1, and continued MPOX outbreaks and warnings of a new Covid strain, Towergate Employee Benefits is urging companies with overseas employees to urgently review their policies on communicable diseases.
Sarah Dennis, head of international at Towergate Employee Benefits, says: “While it is names like Ebola, Zika Virus, and MPOX that hit the headlines, communicable diseases like measles, flu, Covid, and gastroenteritis can have just as severe outcomes. With so much attention on ‘exotic’ viruses, employers must not forget the impact that the more familiar illnesses can also have on overseas employees. Now is the time to make sure that employees working abroad are safeguarded against the possible consequences.”
The risks
Although the viruses in the news are very serious, the numbers of people severely impacted are relatively low. Official reports show that globally there have been 220 deaths among confirmed cases of MPOX2. This compares to an annual estimated 136,000 deaths from measles3, 700,000 deaths from seasonal flu4, and 1.3 million deaths from tuberculosis5. Figures also show that since the Covid pandemic there has been a sharp increase in cases of tuberculosis, measles and influenza, much of which has been attributed to a reduced number of vaccinations being offered or taken up6.
Employers must have plans in place
Companies with overseas employees should have a plan in place regarding communicable diseases. Employees working abroad are not only potentially at greater risk of encountering communicable and infectious diseases but they are also outside of the care of the NHS. Employers should make sure that employees are aware of any vaccination programmes or make their own arrangements if these are not in place. Vaccination should be researched and carefully considered so that informed choices can be made.
Risks for different demographics of staff must be considered. For example, Zika Virus can be passed to the baby during pregnancy and can cause birth defects, so anyone planning a family may want to avoid areas where Zika Virus is still prevalent. Those with supressed immunity are also at greater risk to all such illnesses and extra consideration should be given in such cases.
Having an evacuation and repatriation plan is vital. Employers and their employees should both know what the course of action would be if an employee became ill whilst on an overseas assignment and how they would get medical care if required. Information should be gathered from reputable sources, and local knowledge can be invaluable.
Sarah Dennis says: “Situations can change rapidly so it is important to have a reliable source to provide updates, and to have plans in place but remain adaptable. Good communications are vital.”
Diagnosis and treatment
Many infectious and communicable diseases will have symptoms including fever, chills, fatigue and muscle aches, some will have more tell-tale rashes but others will not, so being able to find a diagnosis is important. Most of these diseases can be treated and will not leave any long-term effects but a few can be serious and even fatal, so providing access to medical care is crucial.
Sarah Dennis concludes: “The key is to ‘know before you go’ and have plans in place. While MPOX and Oropouche Fever may receive a lot of media attention, it is probably more likely that an employee will need medical attention for a severe bout of flu. If emergency care is in place before travel, then everyone - employers, employees and their families alike - will have greater peace of mind.”