Warden Messages

Avian Flu

October 7, 2004

This Fact Sheet alerts Americans to the occurrence of Influenza A H5N1 (avian influenza strain) in Asia.  A number of countries have reported avian influenza, commonly referred to as "bird flu".  The H5N1 strain of influenza causes severe disease in fowl.  In addition, Thailand and Vietnam have reported a number of bird-to-human transmissions of the avian flu, thought to have been caused by individuals' contact with infected poultry populations. While there are reported deaths from the avian influenza virus, there have been no documented human-to-human transmissions of the virus.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) 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 address the outbreak.

At this time, CDC and the WHO have not issued any travel alerts or advisories for avian flu-infected areas. However, 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.  CDC advises travelers to clean their hands often with soap and water or waterless alcohol-based hand-rubs to help prevent disease transmission.  In addition, as a precaution, all foods from poultry, including eggs, should be thoroughly cooked.  CDC further advises
travelers with a febrile respiratory illness returning from countries affected by H5N1 virus (bird flu) to seek prompt medical attention.

The WHO does not at present conclude that any processed poultry products (whole refrigerated or frozen carcasses and products derived from these) or eggs pose a risk to public health.

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, 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
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TTY (866) 874-2646
Mon-Fri 8am-11pm EST
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Address:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30333
USA (404) 639-3311