Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Activity in Asia Human Cases - Vietnam
Released : 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 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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