Avian Influenza (H5N1)

August 2011

What is Avian Influenza (H5N1)?

Avian influenza (H5N1), commonly known as “bird flu”, is a viral infection that can spread easily and quickly among birds.

A particularly strong subtype called the Highly Pathogenic H5N1 has been circulating among birds in parts of Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

 

Symptoms

• Can take two to eight days and possibly longer to appear.
• Usually include symptoms similar to human influenza such as fever, cough, aching muscles and sore throat.
• In more severe cases people may develop serious respiratory conditions such as pneumonia which may lead to death. Fatality rates among hospitalized patients with confirmed infection is high (about 60%).

Transmission

• Humans catch avian influenza from infected birds. This happens only on rare occasions. Most human cases have been traced to direct contact with live infected birds or their droppings.

Where is Avian Influenza (H5N1) a Concern?

• Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa have all had outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1) in poultry since 1997.
• Cases of humans having caught H5N1 have been reported from Cambodia, China, Egypt, Indonesia and Vietnam.
• From 2003 to early 2011, there have been more than 500 confirmed human cases in 15 countries.
• Worldwide, almost 300 people have died from avian influenza (H5N1).

The World Health Organization (WHO) posts information on the total number of human cases of avian influenza and maps of where human cases of avian influenza have occurred.

Related Travel Health Notices

Avian Influenza: Global Update

Recommendations for Travellers

1. Avoid getting avian influenza (H5N1):
   1. If you are travelling to an area where avian influenza (H5N1) is a concern,
      1. Avoid high-risk areas such as poultry farms and live animal markets;
      2. Avoid unnecessary contact with birds, including chickens, ducks and wild birds;
      3. Avoid surfaces that may have bird droppings or secretions on them;
      4. Ensure that all poultry dishes are well cooked, including eggs
2. Wash your hands frequently.
   1. Wash your hands with soap under warm running water.
   2. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can also be used if soap and water are not readily available. It’s a good idea to keep some with you in your pocket or purse when you travel.
3. Monitor your health:
   1. If you develop flu-like symptoms while travelling, or after you return to Canada, you should see a health care provider.
   2. Tell your health care provider that you have been travelling or living in an area where the avian influenza (H5N1) is a concern.

Don't Forget …

• Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.
• What to do if you get sick when you are travelling
• What to do if you get sick after you return to Canada
• Know what vaccines you need and when to get them

Other Related information

• PHAC – Information on Avian Influenza
• Health Canada – It’s Your Health: Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
• Health Canada – Avian Influenza and Poultry
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) – Animal Diseases: Avian Influenza
• WHO – Avian Influenza Fact Sheet
• WHO – Avian Influenza Situation Updates
• WHO – Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza (H5N1)
• WHO – Affected Areas with Confirmed Cases of H5N1 Avian Influenza (Maps)