Many businesses unprepared for pandemic threat

LONDON—Businesses must not lose sight of the threat of an influenza pandemic and should ensure that their business continuity plans are up-to-date to deal with such a risk, according to a report by Aon Corp.

In the report, "Pandemic Influenza: Exploding the Myths," Aon observed that some companies have become complacent about the threat of pandemic influenza.

Aon noted that although the subject has become less widely discussed in the media than was the case a year ago, statistics produced by the World Health Organization suggest that the H5NI virus—considered the biggest threat should it mutate—is becoming increasingly fatal and is now present in 10 countries, compared with four a year ago.

Businesses must work with local authorities and government organizations to plan their response to a pandemic outbreak, said Steve Pearce, director of global business continuity management at Aon Services Corp.

It is important that companies rehearse and update their business continuity plans, he added.

Copies of the report are available from www.aon.com