Work

Risk communication in times of crisis

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Risk communication in times of crisisPitfalls and challenges in ensuring preparedness instead of hysterics Gaby-Fleur Böl I n 2013, a 2-year-old boy in Guinea in West Africa was infected with the Ebola virus.In the following months, the virus spread quickly, eventually reaching the USA and Western Europe and causing the largest Ebola epidemic to date.For risk communicators, the epidemic is an interesting case study for risk communication in both African and Western countries during a crisis.It raises intriguing questions: Was the public efficiently and appropriately informed during the outbreak?Can risk communication serve as a preventive measure to avoid panic and to persuade populations of necessary health measures?Why did the first Ebola cases outside Africa trigger exaggerated and even hysterical media reports in the USA and Spain?Which countries provided reliable information to the public through adequate communication, including on scientific uncertainties?

Source: EMBO Reports

DOI: 10.15252/embr.201541678

Author: Gaby‐Fleur Böl

Institution: German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)

Language: English

Topic: Public Relations and Crisis Communication

Subfield: Communication

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $7,990