Related
A U.S. health economist is predicting slower economic growth in the third and fourth quarters of this year due to the impact of swine flu.
Bryce Sutton, an economist at the University of Alabama, says the H1N1 virus may cause individuals and business to cancel travel plans, hampering economic growth.
"Tourism and travel are vitally important sectors in the economy of many U.S. cities and communities," Sutton said in a release. "Depending on the severity of the spread of the virus, consumers and businesses may respond by restricting travel and vacation plans, which would dampen and already weak recovery in these areas."
He said industries that could take a hit include airlines, hotels and tour operators — businesses already suffering because of reduced consumer spending. Other businesses could also feel the impact of lowered employee productivity and increased absences.
Sutton pointed out that Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, in Asia led to a loss of between 0.5 per cent and two per cent of gross domestic product in the region.
What may offset such an impact are the extensive preparations by health officials for the next wave of H1N1, he said.
Share Tools
Top News Headlines
- Teen struck by lightning in Ottawa dies
- The victim of a Friday lightning strike during a storm in east Ottawa has died, CBC News has learned. more »
- Montreal protesters march in peaceful defiance
- The clanging of pots and pans sounded throughout Montreal's downtown core Saturday night and into early Sunday morning, as thousands of protesters marched on in peaceful — but loud — defiance of Bill 78. more »
- Syrian children massacred by the dozens, UN says
- More than 90 people have been killed by regime forces in a district of central Syria, with the head of the UN team in the country confirming at least 32 children and 60 adults were killed in an artillery attack. more »
- Missing Winnipeg children found in Mexico
- Two Winnipeg children reported missing and possibly in Mexico have been found alive, according to unofficial reports from an agency that works to find missing people. more »
- Teen struck by lightning in Ottawa dies
- Missing Winnipeg children found in Mexico
- Quebec tornadoes cause millions in damage
- Everest team unable to bring down Toronto woman's body
- Pope's butler arrested in Vatican leaks scandal
- Woman's remains found in hockey bag on Cape Breton river
- Syrian children massacred by the dozens, UN says
- WWE apologizes to Brazil over Canadian's flag stomp
- What a Greek euro exit could mean for Canada
