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Avian Influenza A (H5N1) : Human Activity in Asia Updated: April 1, 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 Democratic People's Republic of Korea ( North Korea ) - Outbreak in Poultry An outbreak of avian influenza among poultry has officially been reported by state run media in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. At this time, outbreaks have been reported at large scale commercial poultry farms, including one in the capital city of Pyongyang. Government officials have assured the World Health Organization (WHO) that all measures are being undertaken to prevent further transmission including the mass culling. Vietnam - Human Cases The Ministry of Health in Vietnam confirmed three additional cases of human infection with H5N1 avian influenza. The cases involved:
Furthermore an earlier case has also been confirmed, although no additional information has been provided. To date, Vietnam has reported a total of 28 confirmed human cases of avian influenza since mid-December. Cambodia - Human Case The Ministry of Health in Cambodia has confirmed a second human case of avian influenza. The fatal case involved a 28-year-old man from Kampot Province. To date, Cambodia has reported a total of two confirmed human cases of avian influenza, both of which have been fatal. Thailand - Human Cases To date, Thailand has reported a total of 17 cases, including 12 deaths during its past outbreaks. The last reported case in Thailand occurred in October 2004. Source: World Health Organization (WHO) Recommendations As a precautionary measure, it would be prudent that travellers to Thailand, China, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea ( North Korea ), South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and Laos, where avian influenza A (H5N1) outbreaks have been reported, consider the following measures: The Public Health Agency of Canada advises that travellers to the countries mentioned above, not consume undercooked fowl, 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. While to date there has been no evidence that the virus is transmitted through contaminated food, the above precautionary measure should be followed until further information is available. 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 fowl 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. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travellers avoid unnecessary contact with live fowl. 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. Travellers should be aware that it is possible for the avian influenza virus to stick to hair and clothing, and may be inhaled. 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. Travellers are advised not to bring fowl 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:
Additional Information or more information on Avian Influenza A (H5N1) f rom the Public Health Agency of Canada:
For additional information on Avian Influenza A (H5N1) f rom the World
Health Organization (WHO) visit the WHO
Avian Influenza Disease Page For international reports of the flu, visit the World Health Organization influenza web site For international reports of infected animals by country, visit the World Organization for Animal Health
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Last Updated: 2005-04-01 | ![]() |