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Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Activity in Asia Human Cases - VietnamReleased : January 14, 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 (WHO) reports that the Ministry of Health in Vietnam has confirmed an additional laboratory-confirmed human case of A (H5N1) avian influenza, making this the fourth confirmed case to occur in southern Vietnam since December 2004. The three previous cases were fatal. The case involves an 18-year-old woman from the southern province of Tien Giang. The woman developed symptoms on January 1 and was then hospitalized on January 5, where she remains in critical condition. A national meeting on avian influenza was convened, bringing together health and local government officials from across Vietnam as well as representatives from WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) - Vietnam Country Office. Participants were updated on the country's current avian influenza situation in relation to both humans and animals and were provided with information and guidance on the intensified measures needed to control avian influenza as Lunar New Year Festivities approach. Vietnam has reported a total of 31 laboratory confirmed human cases of A (H5N1) with 23 deaths. Furthermore, WHO reports receiving two additional informal reports of A (H5N1) infection in southern Vietnam . The first case involves an 18-year-old woman from Hau Giang Province who was hospitalized on January 1 and died on January 10. The second case involves a 35-year-old woman from Tra Vinh Province who remains hospitalized in critical condition since January 9. Human cases have also occurred in Thailand , the last being reported on October 25, 2004 . Thailand's case count stands at 17 with 12 deaths. Source: World Health OrganizationRecommendations 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:
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: .
Additional Information For more information on Avian Influenza A (H5N1) f rom the Public Health Agency of Canada:
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Last Updated: 2005-01-14 |