UK health officials offers advice for travelers to China in response to H7N9 avian influenza outbreak
Public Health England (PHE) is reminding travelers between the UK and China to be aware of the risk of avian flu with the increasing numbers of avian influenza A/H7N9 being reported from China, according to a PHE news release today.
With a notable increase in cases reported since the New Year, and cases being reported across several provinces and municipalities within China, including Hong Kong, and in Taiwan, PHE urges people visiting China to minimize their exposure to live poultry, avoid visiting live bird and animal markets (including ‘wet’ markets) and poultry farms, and to practice good hand and personal hygiene.
PHE advises if travelers experience flu like illness within 10 days of returning from China, it is important to mention their recent travel when presenting to their GP. PHE has produced clinical guidance for health professionals in England on the assessment and investigation of patients with severe flu-like illness who have recently returned from China.
The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) has published up to date guidance for people travelling to China.
Professor Brian McCloskey, Director of Global Health at PHE said:
The potential for spread of infectious diseases associated with mass gatherings is well recognized. While the risk to the UK from avian flu A(H7N9) is currently seen as being low, it is important that travelers take steps to minimize their risks and also report their travel to their GP if they do experience flu-like illness on returning to the UK.
As of Jan. 29, there has been 259 human avian influenza H7N9 cases reported on Mainland China, according to the Hong Kong CHP.
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