This Fact Sheet alerts Americans to the rapid spread of the H5N1 Avian flu strain across Asia . A number of countries have reported incidences of Avian flu, commonly referred to as bird flu. Thailand and Vietnam have reported several bird-human transmissions of the Avian flu thought to have been caused by individuals' contact with infected poultry populations. Although several deaths from the Avian flu have been reported, there has been no known human-human transmission of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are concerned about the potential for human-human transmission of this highly pathogenic flu strain.
At this time, CDC and the WHO have not issued any travel alerts or advisories for Avian flu-infected areas. 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. The WHO does not at present conclude that any processed poultry products (whole refrigerated or frozen carcasses and products derived from these) and eggs in or arriving from areas currently experiencing outbreaks of avian influenza H5N1 in poultry pose a risk to public health. The WHO continuously emphasizes the importance of good hygiene practices during handling, including hand washing, prevention of cross-contamination and thorough cooking of poultry products. Americans who are planning travel to a country with an incidence of 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.
Additional country information can be obtained from the Department of State's Consular Information Sheets at http://travel.state.gov and from the Department of State's toll-free number, 1-888-407-4747, or if calling from overseas, 317-472-2328.
CDC Contact Information:
Public Inquiries:
English (888) 246-2675
Spanish (888) 246-2857
TTY (866) 874-2646
Mon-Fri 8am-11pm EST
Sat-Sun 10am-8pm ESTAddress:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta , GA 30333
USA (404) 639-3311WHO Liaison Office in Washington , DC
Contact Information:
Telephone: (202) 331-9081
Facsimile: (202) 331-9097Address:
WHO Liaison Office
1775 K Street, N.W., Suite 430
Washington, D.C. 20006 USA
January 2004
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