Avian Flu Fact Sheet
Avian Flu Fact Sheet
April 08, 2005
This Fact Sheet alerts Americans to the occurrence of Influenza A H5N1 (avian influenza) in Asia. A number of countries have reported avian influenza, commonly referred to as “bird flu.” The H5N1 strain of influenza can cause severe disease in poultry. In addition, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam have reported a number of bird-to-human transmissions of the avian flu. The vast majority of the known human cases have resulted from direct contact with poultry, and there is only limited evidence to suggest human-to-human transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Department are concerned about the potential for sustained human-to-human transmission of this highly dangerous flu strain, and are working closely with other partners in an effort to address the outbreak.
At this time, CDC and the WHO have not issued any travel warnings for avian flu-infected areas. However, CDC advises travelers to countries in Asia with documented H5N1 outbreaks to avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals. CDC advises travelers to clean their hands often with soap and water or waterless alcohol-based hand-rubs to help prevent disease transmission. In addition, as a precaution, all foods from poultry, including eggs, should be thoroughly cooked. CDC further advises travelers with a febrile respiratory illness returning from countries affected by H5N1 influenza virus to seek prompt medical attention.
The WHO does not at present conclude that any processed poultry products (whole refrigerated or frozen carcasses and products derived from these) or eggs pose a risk to public health.
A specific vaccine for humans that is effective against avian influenza has not been developed, however the CDC has suggested that the anti-viral medication oseltamavir (brand name-Tamiflu) may be effective against avian influenza. Tamiflu has not yet been adequately tested for this purpose, so this recommendation is based on limited data. Based on this recommendation, the Department of State has decided to pre-position limited supplies of the drug Tamiflu at its Embassies and Consulates in the Southeast Asian Region for eligible US Government employees and their families serving abroad.
Tamiflu may not be readily available overseas and the State Department encourages American citizens traveling or living abroad that are interested in obtaining this medication to consult with their physician.
Americans who are planning travel to a country that has reported the virus or who are concerned about the avian flu are advised to monitor the CDC and the WHO web sites, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm and http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/ for the latest information.
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April 2005