Bird Flu Myths and Facts

This article discusses avian influenza and the challenges of communicating facts about potential outbreaks transparently while attempting to avoid a situation where rumours and misinformation may be created. According to the article, health communicators are in a difficult position with regards to avian flu. Lack of transparent information about potential outbreaks may allow supposition to turn into rumours. Yet, the article proposes that too much information also runs the risk of cultivating both irrational fear and irrational complacency.

The author proposes that in the event of a human pandemic involving the H5N1 bird flu virus, managing rumours and panic is likely to be as vital as managing the pandemic itself. "Risk communicators have to decide on the right time for the public to be warned," says Simon Chapman, professor of public health at the University of Sydney. "People are tremendously skeptical about warnings that bear no fruit. But there is no blueprint for calming the community down when there is low risk and worrying the community at an appropriate level when there is high risk."

Beverley Raphael, professor of population mental health and disasters at the University of Western Sydney and chair for the National Mental Health Disaster Response Committee, believes panic can be contained and co-operation achieved if there are clear and consistent messages from a trusted source, such as the World Health Organization.