You must write an executive summary for your executive leadership in your agency. An executive summary provides an overview of a larger report; highlighting key points of the overall document. YOU ARE TO REPRESENT
World Health Organization (WHO)
MY ROLE: Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO is responsible for tracking and minimizing pandemic incidents on an international level. The WHO’s main mission is to isolate any infectious diseases or outbreaks to the region/country in which they initially exist. As the WHO representative, you are not as concerned about what is going on in Boston, but you are concerned that the other planners are not going to prioritize shutting down access of the SARS disease outside of Boston. You are interested in sending out a ‘no fly’ alert to global networks, causing Logan Airport to virtually shut down and lose the majority of its incoming travelers.
DAY 1:
Scenario:
A woman traveling from China to Boston unknowingly became a carrier of SARS- the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The primary symptoms of the SARS are flu-like in nature, including fever, lethargy, gastrointestinal symptoms, cough and sore throat. Therefore, most initial cases were misdiagnosed as a common flu. Due to shortage of nurses and beds in greater Boston area emergency rooms, infected patients were not identified as contagious with a highly dangerous disease and were often placed in hallways or in shared rooms, increasing the spread of the disease.
SARS was identified in a patient at Mass General Hospital and was communicated to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, with currently 3,500 suspected cases across the greater Boston area and 250 deaths.
The disease is spreading quickly through families and tight-knit communities, and as word is getting out about the disease, more and more people are fearful and are flocking to local emergency rooms. This is stressing the already maxed out hospitals and is increasing the spread of the disease.
Furthermore, as Boston is a huge hub for travel across the world, there is concern that SARS will spread outside Boston and will quickly become an international pandemic if not treated quickly.
MY RESPONSE: Hello Team,
In review of the Boston SARS outbreak report, 3,500 cases were suspected and over 250 deaths were reported. It is of concern to the World Health Organization (WHO) that the outbreak may spread to other parts of the United States, especially considering Logan Airport has the majority of incoming travelers, both domestically and internationally. A close collaboration will be established between WHO and health authorities in affected countries to help control the outbreak epidemiologically, clinically, and logistically. In response to the public health outbreak, WHO will need support in issuing travel restrictions and enforcing a public health order. The WHO has already transitioned to Phase 2 Level 1 (Chains of transmission in one site) as we get ready for this epidemiological scenario. WHO will continue to use its standard, well-established procedures to identify events that are of international public health concern.
Victoria Carter, Representative of WHO
DAY 3: A small group of protestors have emerged around the hospital saying they are to blame for the SARS outbreak.
MY RESPONSE: Hello Team,
As WHO is aware, Boston is having a tough time right now. From the press and updates, WHO understands the situation and stands in solidarity with Mass General. Nevertheless, Boston isn’t our only focus. We are focusing on eliminating travel to and from Boston to minimize the spread, and on restricting international travel until we receive positive results from other health authorities to ensure safety for others. WHO does want to make sure that everyone is educated and protected so no further spread can happen. As we are informed there is no cure or vaccine for SARS, so we do advise preventable measures like hand washing, and wearing mask.
Please reach out if education or resources are needed.
Thank you,’
Victoria Carter, Representative of WHO
DAY 5: The Massachusetts Governor has declared a state of emergency.
Hello Team,
The declaration of a state of emergency by the Governor is welcomed by WHO. In the event that Boston requires any resources or assistance, WHO is still ready to assist. I would appreciate it if WHO will continued to be inform of all positive cases with the support of the health authorities. At the moment, we’re still in Phase 2, Level 1 chains of transmission at one location. It is known that air travel is one of the greatest means of mobility, but it is also one of the most potent channels for emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases. As we work on transmission from and to Logan Airport in Boston, we advise people to take safety precautions when boarding; like using a mask and always washing hands.
Thank you
Victoria Carter, Representative of WHO
dAY 7: The Mayor of Boston has contracted SARS and must be isolated.
MY RESPONSE: Hello Team,
The WHO supports replacing the mayor temporarily. According to WHO, the mayor could still be suffering from symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle pain, headaches, and shortness of breath. Since these symptoms could arise, it wouldn’t be beneficial for Boston if the mayor worked virtually. As stated by WHO, SARS does not have a cure or vaccine and patients need to isolate themselves for ten days. We shall keep an eye on things because the travels from Logan Airport still worries us. The airport has screenings in place as a precautionary measure to stop the spread. WHO supports Boston; inform WHO of the resources you may want from us.
Thank you.
Victoria C. Representative of WHO
BELOW I HAVE ATTACHED EXAMPLES…
