Avian influenza or bird flu remains a serious global concern because of its potential to cause a deadly pandemic. H5N1 is a Type A viral subtype that is extremely contagious among birds and for which humans have little or no immunity. Since 2003, over 500 rare but lethal cases of human infection have occurred in over a dozen countries and 60% of those cases have been fatal. The symptoms are similar to the other types of influenza, but may also include eye infections, pneumonia and severe respiratory distress.

H5N1 has never been detected in the United States and travelers to affected areas are urged to take the necessary precautions advised by the World Health Organization (WHO), who is coordinating the global response to the disease.

Recommended prevention methods include:

• Avoiding close contact with infected poultry or surfaces contaminated by infected birds
• Not ingesting improperly handled and cooked poultry or eggs; proper cooking will kill the virus
• Abiding by the USDA’s Animal and Animal Product Import rules which have ban imported poultry from affected countries since 2004
• Review the CDC’s Avian Flu & Travelers advice if planning to visit Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Europe, the Near East, Indonesia, Vietnam or Egypt
• Currently, treatments such as Oseltamivir (TAMIFLU©) and Zanamivir (RELENZA©) have been the most successful and the FDA has approved a vaccine that is effective against one strain; this vaccine is being stockpiled in the event of a future need
• Remember: the seasonal influenza vaccine does not provide protection against the avian influenza or bird flu

Please visit www.flu.gov for more comprehensive influenza information.