Facing a Pandemic Disease

Given that the world is interconnected as never before as a result of technological advancements and greatly enhanced modes of travel, one of the great fears shared by many is the outbreak of a pandemic disease that crosses international borders until it engulfs much of the world. (Any movie buff will confirm that such a scenario has been the theme of a number films over the years.) Such an occurrence seems to be happening in real-life these days. What is being called a coronavirus is now popping up in multiple countries, including the United States. Its origins have been traced to mainland China. As I write this, in addition to individual nations such as the U.S., Korea and Japan, such regions as the Middle East, South America and Europe are also in the beginning stages of dealing with this disease that has already claimed hundreds of lives.

This bubbling crisis is generating much concern among the international community. Governments are being forced to figure out ways to keep their citizens healthy and safe from persons infected with the virus and from crossing over their borders. As prospective carriers can go literally days and longer without showing any symptoms, the challenge of keeping carriers out seems to becoming greater with each passing day. Part of the process of doing this is a communication issue. Leaders and authorities at local and national levels need to be proactive in initiating information campaigns that tell people what steps they can take to avoid contracting the virus as well as what indicators they can be on the look out for to ensure they remain out of harms way. Here in the U.S., the federal government is dragging its feet on each account. Consequently, there seems a growing concern with the government as to its ability to protect American citizens. Such a trend, if allowed to grow, will make worse the challenge of helping folks deal with this crisis.