What can travelers to China and other areas with H5N1 in poultry and wild birds do to protect themselves?
On the heels of the recent case of a Canadian woman who contracted H5N1 avian influenza in Beijing, China, and subsequently died of the infection upon return to Canada, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reiterates that the risk of H5N1 to travelers is extremely low. People who come in contact with poultry or wild birds may be at higher risk. H5N1 bird flu is widespread in poultry and wild birds in several countries in Asia and the Middle East, according to a travel notice published Friday.
Health officials say travelers to Canada are not at risk for H5N1 flu.
However, federal health authorities do offer the following recommendations for travelers to China and other areas with H5N1 in poultry and wild birds:
- Do not touch birds or other animals.
- Do not touch animals, whether they are alive or dead.
- Avoid live bird or poultry markets.
- Avoid other markets or farms with animals (wet markets).
- Eat food that is fully cooked.
- Eat meat and poultry that is fully cooked (not pink) and served hot.
- Eat hard-cooked eggs (not runny).
- Don’t eat or drink dishes that include blood from any animal.
- Don’t eat food from street vendors.
- Practice hygiene and cleanliness:
- Wash your hands often.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean your hands with hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid close contact, such as kissing, hugging or sharing eating utensils or cups, with people who are sick.
If you feel sick and think you may have avian flu:
- Talk to your doctor or nurse if you feel seriously ill, especially if you have a fever.
- Tell him or her about your travel.
- For more information about medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care Abroad and a list of International Joint Commission-accredited facilities.
- Avoid contact with other people while you are sick.
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