[Risk communication of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment during a food-related outbreak]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Risk Communication
• Crisis Management

Context:

• The 2011 EHEC/HUS outbreak in Germany necessitated rapid and effective communication from governmental agencies.
• Traditional risk communication strategies were adapted to address the acute nature of the crisis.
• The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) played a key role in disseminating information and guidance.

Purpose:

• To analyze the risk communication activities undertaken by governmental agencies during the EHEC/HUS outbreak.
• To evaluate the success of these communication efforts through a representative post-outbreak survey.
• To explore the challenges of communicating scientific uncertainty and the potential of new media in risk communication.

Summary:

• Governmental agencies primarily focused on informing the public about risks and encouraging behavioral changes during the EHEC/HUS outbreak.
• Risk communication evolved into crisis communication, emphasizing timely information and immediate behavioral measures.
• A survey revealed insights into the effectiveness of the implemented risk communication strategies.
• The study highlights the importance of communicating scientific uncertainty and leveraging new media for future risk communication.

Impact:

• Provides an evaluation of public health communication strategies during a major foodborne illness outbreak.
• Offers insights into the transition from risk to crisis communication and its effectiveness.
• Identifies areas for improvement in risk communication, particularly concerning scientific uncertainty and the use of new media.
• Contributes to the understanding of public response to health crises and informs future public health communication planning.