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Pandemic Flu
The bird flu (H5N1) virus has affected hundreds of thousands of birds, and more than a hundred humans. Health officials are concerned that it will become the next pandemic flu strain.
What is bird flu?
Bird flu is a disease of wild and domesticated birds. This type of flu can also infect other animals and people. Since the 1990s, bird flu outbreaks have occurred in Asia and Europe. The virus is now spreading to birds and other animals in new regions. The virus has infected some people. Human cases of bird flu have been reported in Southeast Asia and Europe. Most human cases came from direct contact with infected birds or their droppings. More than 100 people have gotten bird flu and about half of them died. That’s why health officials are watching for any person-to-person spread of bird flu.
What are the symptoms of bird flu in people?
Symptoms of bird flu and other kinds of flu are similar: a high fever that lasts for several days, muscle aches that feel worse if they’re touched, coughing and shortness of breath are common. So far, all human cases of bird flu have been confined to Asia and Europe. Disease experts say human cases are rare. Most human cases came from direct contact with infected birds or their droppings. Most often the diagnosis of bird flu is made by the symptoms a person has and laboratory testing.
Why could bird flu become the next pandemic?
Scientists worry that bird flu in Southeast Asia could cause the next pandemic. The virus is spreading to birds and other animals in new regions. The virus has infected some people causing severe illness and death.
What's being done to keep bird flu from becoming the next pandemic?
Health officials around the world are watching for any person-to-person spread of bird flu. Public health officials in every state and almost every nation are preparing for pandemic flu. A worldwide network of laboratories detects and tracks flu viruses. There’s a program for fast distribution of vaccines and medicines and several systems are in place for sharing emergency health information. National, state and local preparedness efforts are on-going.
Is it safe to buy and eat chicken or duck in the U.S.?
Health officials say it’s safe to east properly cooked poultry in the U.S. The H5N1 bird flu hasn’t been found in the U.S. Cooking destroys germs, including the bird flu virus. The U.S. bans imports of poultry from areas with bird flu. There’s also worldwide coordination to control the spread of bird flu. Flocks in other countries are monitored for illness, infected birds are separated and sick and infected birds are killed. As usual, you should take steps to control the spread of germs from poultry: keep hands, utensils and surfaces clean and fully cook all poultry.
What advice would you give someone traveling to areas where bird flu has been found?
Before traveling check the CDC’s website, http://www.cdc.gov for travel advisories. Be sure your shots are current and your health insurance covers you overseas. Contact the U.S. Consulate there to learn of available healthcare. Travelers should take steps to minimize risks while on their trip. Avoid contact with chickens and ducks including droppings and blood. Follow good health habits such as frequent hand-washing. Avoid live animal markets, bird farms and partially cooked bird. There are other things you can do after you return from your travels as well. If you have any illness within 10 days of your return, see your healthcare provider. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about your travel. So far, no travelers to Southeast Asia have gotten bird flu.
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