Threats from infectious diseases give businesses today a lot to think about on top of concerns over the global economy.
In addition to the cost of human life, Veratect a startup technology company based in Kirkland, Seattle, stressed that the surge of Influenza A (H1N1) diseases can quickly wreak havoc on businesses (especially those with global operations), critical social infrastructure, and entire economies if early containment efforts fail. Smaller companies with fewer people can also experience staff shortage if their workers have to stay home because they are sick or have to care for the sick.
The World Bank estimates that a severe infection with Avian Influenza (H5N1) could kill at least 70 million people worldwide and cost $2 trillion and plunge the world into a decade-long depression.
