Avian
Influenza: Fact Sheet and Advice for Travellers Advice
for South African travellers
The World Health Organisation (WHO)
has reported on the possibility of a human flu pandemic following outbreaks of
bird flu (also known as avian flu) in some countries. This fact sheet explains
why the WHO and other governmental and non-governmental organisations are concerned
about the possibility of a pandemic.
Since January 2004, over 90 human
deaths have been confirmed as resulting from avian influenza. Vietnam, Cambodia,
China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, South Korea, North Korea, Pakistan, Thailand,
Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Romania, Croatia, Iraq, Nigeria, Azerbaijan,
Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Iran, Austria, Germany, Egypt, India, France,
Niger, Cameroon, Afghanistan and Burma have all suffered confirmed outbreaks in
poultry or wild birds. Since the beginning of February 2006 a total of 17 countries
reported their first cases of H5N1 infection in birds. The cases of human
infection are believed to have resulted from direct contact with infected poultry.
However, medical experts warn that a virus with the capacity to be transmitted
from person to person, through mutation of especially the avian influenza virus
H5N1 is a distinct possibility and could lead to a global pandemic. There
are no specific restrictions for travellers to any of the countries affected by
the avian influenza yet. Travellers to regions where outbreaks have been reported
should exercise caution. They should seek expert medical advice before travelling,
check on the latest travel advisories and take appropriate precautions. The
latest information relating to the countries affected, possible prevention and
treatment measures and other Frequently Asked Questions, can be found on the World
Health Organisation website at: The following fact
sheet information provides more information on avian flu: Further enquiries
may also be directed to Mr. Shaun Smith at the National Department of Health.
His contact details are as follows: Telephone number: + 27 12 312
0722
Facsimile number: +27 12 312 0535 or 312 0635
E-mail address: smiths@health.gov.za To
date, most human cases are thought to have acquired their infection following
exposure to dead or diseased birds. Evidence suggests that particularly risky
exposure occurs during the slaughter, de-feathering, and preparation of poultry
for cooking. People are advised against eating dishes made with bird blood
or any other raw or inadequately cooked poultry products. Proper cooking destroys
the avian influenza virus. Poultry should be cooked until all parts reach an internal
temperature of 70°C. No cases of avian influenza have been linked to the consumption
of thoroughly cooked poultry and egg products. Antiviral drugs are reported
effective in treating this type of flu but its use before or during a pandemic
is not straightforward and the effect may be limited if the virus develops resistance
to the drugs. Advice for South African
travellers The Minister of Health has recommended the taking of influenza
antiviral medication as a possible precautionary measure. In this regard people
who travel or are residents in affected areas should consult their family doctor,
pharmacist or travel clinic for medical advice and further guidance. Currently
there is limited availability of influenza antiviral medicines in South Africa.
In this regard, South Africans travelling abroad for business and/or holiday purposes
are responsible for securing their own supply of influenza antiviral medicines.
The implication is that South African Representatives abroad will not be in a
position to provide antiviral medicines in affected areas. Another implication
is that South Africans must be aware that consular assistance, should an outbreak
occur, will be severely constrained by local health conditions and possible restrictions
on travel. Should conditions worsen South African tourists, business persons and
long term residence in affected areas should be prepared to take responsibility
for their own safety and wellbeing. In the event that the threat of either
human to human transmission or sustained transmission escalates further, South
Africans in affected countries may have to consider leaving while those planning
travel to affected areas would be advised to consider canceling or postponing
their intention to travel pending an improvement on the situation. In addition,
it is recommended that people should: - Avoid visiting live animal markets
and poultry farms
- Avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with animal
faeces
- Not eat or handle undercooked or raw poultry, egg (or duck) dishes
- Not attempt to bring any live poultry products back to South Africa
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