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3 industries most at risk in the event of an epidemic outbreak

Infectious diseases can and should be insured so that resources can be set aside to offset the impact.

Metabiota’s research shows that outbreaks like acute flaccid myelitis (a "polio-like" illness), Zika, Avian influenza and even seasonal influenza are not one-off scenarios but, in fact, illustrate distinct patterns. (Photo: Shutterstock) Metabiota’s research shows that outbreaks like acute flaccid myelitis (a “polio-like” illness), Zika, Avian influenza and even seasonal influenza are not one-off scenarios but, in fact, illustrate distinct patterns. (Photo: Shutterstock)

In 2018, there were close to 100 documented cases of disease outbreaks around the world, according to the World Health Organization. An epidemic outbreak puts countless lives at risk, but it’s also a direct threat to many companies.

Such outbreaks often shake the stability of a country’s economy. In Latin American and the Caribbean, for example, the Zika virus alone may end up costing up to $18 billion. The South Korean MERS outbreak in 2015 caused a 40% drop in tourism, costing the country an estimated loss of $900 million in revenue.

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Denny Jacob

Denny Jacob

Denny Jacob is an associate editor for NU PropertyCasualty360. Contact him at [email protected].

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