Avian Flu Factsheet

Avian Flu Fact Sheet

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,
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/country/en/ 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 is available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm.
WHO guidance related to avian influenza is available at
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/.


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 Oseltamivir (brand name-Tamiflu) may be effective
in preventing or treating avian influenza. Using this input, the Department
of State has decided to pre-position the drug Tamiflu at its Embassies and
Consulates worldwide, for eligible U.S. Government employees and their
families serving abroad. 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 http://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
Mon-Fri 8am-11pm EST
Sat-Sun 10am-8pm EST
Address:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30333
USA (404) 639-3311


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