Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Activity in Asia Human Cases - Vietnam
Released : January 11, 2005
The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1) or "bird flu" outbreaks in several Asian countries.
The World Health Organization has reported two additional laboratory-confirmed human cases of A (H5N1) avian influenza in southern Vietnam where poultry outbreaks have been recurring since December 2004.
The two cases involve a 6-year-old boy from the province of Dong Thap, who died on December 30 and a 9-year-old boy from the province of Tra Vinh who was hospitalized on January 2 and died on January 4.
Close contacts of the cases are being monitored for signs of illness. Health authorities in Vietnam, with WHO support, have strengthened case detection. Avian influenza viruses become more active in cooler temperatures. Festivities as the Lunar New Year approaches in early February may increase the risk of further human cases.
Vietnam has reported a total of 30 laboratory confirmed human cases of A (H5N1) with 22 deaths.
Source: World Health Organization
Recommendations
As a precautionary measure, it would be prudent that travellers to Thailand, China, Cambodia, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and Laos, where avian influenza A (H5N1) outbreaks have been reported, consider the following measures:
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While to date there has been no evidence that the virus is transmitted through contaminated food, as a precaution, and until further information is available, The Public Health Agency of Canada advises that travellers to the countries mentioned above, not consume undercooked poultry, raw eggs, or lightly cooked egg products (such as runny eggs). Travellers should ensure that all food products listed above be well cooked before being consumed, as evidence suggests the virus becomes inactive when cooked.
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Normal precautions regarding food storage, handling and preparation should be followed. Travellers are further advised to maintain high standards of hygiene, including thorough hand washing, particularly after having contacted eggs or undercooked poultry and egg products and to avoid cross contamination with other food products. Using hot, soapy water and lathering for at least 20 seconds is the single most important procedure for preventing infections. This is because disease-causing micro-organisms can frequently be found on the hands. Alternatively, travellers can use waterless, alcohol-based antiseptic hand rinses. If there is visible soiling, hands should be washed with soap and water before using waterless antiseptic hand rinses. If soap and water are unavailable, cleanse hands first with detergent-containing towelettes to remove visible soil.
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Travellers should be aware that it is possible for the avian influenza virus to stick to hair and clothing, and may be inhaled. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travellers avoid unnecessary contact with live poultry. This includes poultry farms as well as markets where live animals such as chickens and ducks are sold, as these animals have been found to be carriers of the avian influenza virus. Research has shown that the risk of direct transmission of H5N1 infection from birds to humans is greatest in persons having close contact with live, infected poultry.
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Travellers are advised to not bring poultry or egg products from these affected countries into Canada
As is routinely done, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travellers to Asia seek an individual risk assessment consultation with their personal physician or travel medicine clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to travel. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers obtain the influenza vaccine before travel.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell with respiratory or flu-like symptoms on their return seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician without being asked, that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada, and where they have been.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency recommendations to prevent the introduction of avian flu into Canada's animal population: .
- Travellers who have visited a farm while in an affected country should ensure that clothing and footwear worn on the farm are free from soil and manure before entering Canada . Clothing should be laundered and footwear should be disinfected after arrival. More information is available at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Additional Information
For more information on Avian Influenza A (H5N1) f rom the Public Health Agency of Canada:
- FAQ on Avian Influenza.
- For previous avian influenza travel health advisories, visit the Travel Medicine Program's Travel Advisory Archives.
- The Public Health Agency of Canada produces weekly FluWatch reports, summarizing influenza surveillance activities in Canada and abroad.
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