Skip Navigation
You Are In: Citizen Services > Information for Travelers > Warden Messages and Special Announcements > Bird Flu
Skip Left Section Navigation

Warden Messages

Bird Flu

Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, has been in the news a lot lately.

What is it?

Bird flu is a subtype of influenza A virus that occurs mainly in birds and has been around for many years. Since 2003 ‘bird flu’ has been found in more and more birds (mainly in Asia) and is highly deadly, particularly to poultry. The first human case was diagnosed in 1997. Since then, very few people have contracted Avian Influenza (AI).

This virus has spread very quickly to bird species other than poultry, and has the potential to spread worldwide because of the migratory habits of birds. Websites of the World Health Organization, (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, included in the references, are excellent and informative.

Precautions to take if you are in an area affected by bird flu

  • Avoid contact with chickens, ducks or other poultry and their waste.
  • Children are at higher risk; teach them to avoid contact with birds.- Do not keep birds as pets.
  • Wash hands with soap and water after any contact.
  • Do not transport birds, even if you think they are healthy.
  • Do not prepare poultry from affected areas.
  • If you unintentionally come into contact with poultry in an affected area:
  • Wash your hands immediately with soap and water.
  • Remove shoes outside the house and clean them well.
  • Check your temperature at least daily for 7 days.
  • Call you health care provider if your temperature is above 37.5C or 99.5F.

Plan Ahead and Protect Yourself

The basic flu preventive measures remain the same:

  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet.
  • If you are sick, stay home. Use a thermometer to take your temperature, and call it in to your health care provider.
  • Get plenty of rest.

THE YEARLY, ROUTINE FLU SHOT DOES NOT GIVE YOU IMMUNITY TO BIRD FLU!!! HOWEVER, IT DOES PROTECT AGAINST OTHER FLU VARIETIES.

TO DATE THE AFRICAN CONTINENT IS NOT AN AREA AFFECTED BY H5N1 BIRD FLU, AS FAR AS IS KNOWN BY HHS, CDC, OR WHO.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the risk to humans from bird flu?
The bird flu virus does not usually infect humans. In 1997, however, the first case of infection from a bird to a human was identified in Hong Kong. Most recently, human cases have occurred in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia. Almost all cases to date have occurred after direct contact with infected poultry.

How is infection in humans treated? Is there a vaccine?
Currently no vaccine has been approved to provide protection against bird flu. However, vaccine development efforts are under way. For more information about the vaccine visit National Institutes of Health’s website

Anti-viral compounds such as amantadine, rimantadine, zanamavir and oseltamavir (Tamiflu) have shown some efficacy against other Influenza A viruses, and initial studies suggest that the latter two may be effective as a treatment for ‘bird flu.’ NO use of Tamiflu or other antiviral medications is recommended for prophylaxis (preventative medication) against the disease.

Is it safe to eat poultry and eggs?
No human cases of bird flu contracted from poultry or egg consumption have been reported. Nonetheless, the World Health Organization recommends
5 Keys to Safer Food:

  • Separate raw meat from cooked or ready to eat foods and do not use the same chopping board or knife
  • Do not handle both raw and cooked foods without washing your hands in between
  • Do not use raw or soft-boiled eggs in food preparations that will not be heat treated or cooked
  • Keep clean with soap and water. Wash your hands after handling frozen, thawed, or raw chicken or eggs. Thoroughly wash surfaces and utensils that have been in contact with raw meat.
  • Cook all poultry thoroughly - this will inactivate viruses. Ensure that the meat is not pink.
  • Egg yolks should not be eaten when runny or liquid.

How is the US Government helping to address the bird flu problem?
The US Congress appropriated 25 million dollars in June 2005 to help contain and prevent its spread. Our government has proposed an “International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza” to address the emerging threat.

What are the symptoms of bird flu?
Symptoms of bird flu in humans have ranged from typical flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases, and other severe and life-threatening complications. The most consistent symptoms include fever greater than 38C or 100.4F and a respiratory syndrome including a non-productive cough and sore throat.

REFERENCES:

Avian Flu Fact Sheet -- October 19, 2005

This Fact Sheet alerts Americans to the most recent occurrences of Influenza A H5N1 (avian influenza strain). A number of countries are reporting cases of avian influenza, commonly referred to as “bird flu” in their domestic and wild bird populations. The H5N1 strain of influenza causes severe disease in domesticated fowl. In addition, there are confirmed cases of bird-to-human transmissions of avian influenza in the South East Asia region, many of which have resulted in death. Please visit the WHO website, for the most up to date information on the countries affected and the number of deaths.
The vast majority of the known human cases have resulted from direct contact with poultry, and there is only limited evidence to suggest possible human-to-human transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Department are concerned about the potential for human-to-human transmission of this highly dangerous flu strain, and are working closely with other partners in an effort to monitor the outbreak.

Concerns about the possibility of an avian influenza pandemic have prompted international and national efforts to institute pandemic preparedness measures. In keeping with the CDC and the WHO guidance, the Department of State is working with its embassies and consulates worldwide to prepare in the event of a pandemic. American citizens traveling to or living in countries where avian influenza is prevalent should consider the potential risks and keep informed of the latest medical guidance and information in order to make appropriate plans.

The Department, the CDC and the WHO have not issued any travel alerts or warnings for avian flu-infected areas. However, the 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 or fluids from poultry or other animals. In addition, the Department has asked its embassies and consulates to consider preparedness measures that take into consideration the fact that travel into or out of a country may not be possible, safe or medically advisable. Specific CDC travel information relating to avian influenza, including preventive measures. WHO guidance related to avian influenza is available by clicking here.

A specific vaccine for humans that is effective against avian influenza has not yet been developed. Based upon limited data, the CDC has suggested that the anti-viral medication Oseltamavir (brand name-Tamiflu) may be effective in preventing or treating avian influenza. Tamiflu may not be readily available overseas and the State Department encourages American citizens traveling or living abroad that are interested in obtaining this medication to consult with their physician. There is no provision for the U.S. government to provide American citizens traveling or living abroad with medications, including in the event of a pandemic.

Americans who are planning travel to a country that has reported the virus or who are concerned about the Avian flu are advised to monitor the CDC and the WHO web sites for the latest information.

Additional country information can be obtained from the Department of State's Consular Information Sheets at travel.state.gov and from the Department of State's toll-free number, 1-888-407-4747, or if calling from overseas, 202-501-4444.

CDC Contact Information:

Public Inquiries:
English (888) 246-2675
Spanish (888) 246-2857
TTY (866) 874-2646
USA (404) 639-3311
Mon-Fri 8am-11pm EST
Sat-Sun 10am-8pm EST

Address:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30333
WHO Liaison Office in Washington, DC

Contact Information:
Telephone: (202) 331-9081
Facsimile: (202) 331-9097

Address:
WHO Liaison Office
1775 K Street, N.W., Suite 430
Washington, D.C. 20006 USA

Americans living or traveling in Niger are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Niger. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Niger is located at Rue des Ambassades, B.P. 11 201; telephone (227) 20.72.26.61/62/63/64 ; fax (227) 20.73.31.67; email Consulate Niamey.