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Avian influenza cases prompt AMC travel warnings

  • Published
  • By Maj. Linda Haseloff
  • AMC Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AMCNS) --  Recent news coverage of avian influenza overseas has prompted the Air Mobility Command Surgeon General's Office to remind AMC travelers of the risks involved with foreign travel.

According to the World Health Organization, avian influenza is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A (H5N1) strains of the influenza virus. According to the organization, while these flu viruses occur naturally among wild birds the current form of avian influenza is especially, contagious in domesticated chickens, ducks and turkeys. World Health Organization experts went on the say that although the virus can cause large numbers of deaths in these birds, there have been few transmissions to humans and human deaths from the disease are rare. Also, they said there have been no sustained human-to-human transmissions.

The U.S. Department of State reports that since mid-2003, outbreaks of avian influenza in birds have been confirmed in Southeast Asian countries and Russia. It has also been detected in birds in European countries. This has prompted the permanent removal of millions of domestic poultry and wild fowl from the affected countries.

Infected birds shed flu virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and droppings, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Between 2003 and 2005, a few laboratory-confirmed bird-to-human infections of the avian influenza were reported, but only in Asian nations. The CDC believes that most cases of bird flu infection in humans have resulted from direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces, largely involving people who work in bird farms. CDC experts said the spread of avian influenza viruses from one ill person to another is rare and has not been observed to continue beyond one person.

The current risk to Americans from the Asian bird flu outbreak is low, according to the CDC. The strain of virus found in Asia and Europe has not been found in the United States.

AMC officials said understanding the risks is the first step to prevention.

“Travel to areas with cited cases, in particular Asian nations, should be undertaken with an understanding of the risks of potential infection,” said Chief Master Sgt. Peggy Kerns, AMC Surgeon General, Public Health. “Special caution should be applied to frequenting live animal markets and poultry farms in these regions.” In addition, she reminds people that when handling and cooking fresh poultry, it’s essential to always wash your hands and surfaces that come in contact with meat.

According to the Department of State, “The United States continues to support nations in the preparedness, prevention and containment of the current outbreaks of avian influenza, and is working collaboratively with international partners to heighten both global and U.S. readiness should an outbreak occur.” There is also development of an experimental vaccine and testing of flu treatment medications.