Disney World and Theme Parks Combat Fears Over Swine Flu

A number of theme parks have reassured visitors over fears that they could be a breeding ground for swine flu.

Fans of popular destinations including Walt Disney World and Disneyland have been airing worries on internet forums that the H1N1 virus could be easily spread in such a busy environment, according to The New York Times.

‘Any place where large masses of people accumulate over a relatively short or defined period of time could serve as a conduit to infection,’ Philip M. Tierno Jr., director of clinical microbiology and immunology at New York University Langone Medical Center told the newspaper.

But the theme parks have reassured visitors that they have implemented measures to keep any threat of infection under control.

Disney World has ordered 200,000 hand sanitizers while staff have been given free seasonal flu jabs and tips on sanitation.

‘Disney parks maintains rigorous standards of hygiene and cleanliness for our cast members and guests,’ said chief physician Michael Hankins at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.

‘We provide employee training and implement extensive cleaning procedures as necessary. Hand washing and other basic hygiene steps, as recommended by the C.D.C [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], remain extremely effective ways to combat seasonal flu whether at school, on the playground or visiting a theme park.’

Precautions even extend to characters changing their costumes if necessary.

Other theme parks are also being cautious.

A spokesman for the Universal Orlando Resort said: ‘We’ve reviewed every element of what we do – from the number of hand sanitizers we have on site to making sure our team members are very aware of their responsibilities for maintaining a healthy environment.’

Daily Mail