On demand webinar

We are pleased to share the recording of ISAC's recent webinar organised by the ISAC Viral Infections Working Group.

Mass gatherings (such as sporting events, concerts or religious pilgrimages) are high profile occasions, often attended by tens of thousands of individuals. They can pose public health challenges and strain public health resources of the host community, city or country. Mass gatherings, like the Hajj, Olympics or musical festivals, necessitate significant preparedness and response planning on the part of the host. There is plentiful evidence that mass gatherings can be the focus of the spread of pathogens causing infectious diseases. Of particular importance are viral infections, particularly in the context of current outbreaks: COVID-19 and monkeypox. Such infections can be transmitted during the event itself, during transport to and from the event, and in participants’ home communities upon their return.

The purpose of this webinar was to outline the most significant viral infections currently associated with mass gatherings, suggest key planning considerations for the organisers of mass gatherings in the context of novel viral outbreaks and provide general advice on the public health aspects of mass events.

Programme
Introduction - Prof. Fatma Amer
Respiratory-borne viral infections during mass gatherings - Prof. Jaffar A. Al-Tawfiq
Monkeypox virus: is it the coming challenge during mass gatherings? - Prof. Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
Water- and food- borne viral infections during mass gatherings - Dr Anusha Rohit
Vector-borne viral infections during mass gatherings - Dr Rehab Tash
Discussion