Avian Flu Update (04-18-2005) 

The State Department has issued a Fact Sheet that alerts Americans to the occurrence of Influenza A H5N1 (avian influenza) in Asia. The Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and the State Department are working closely with other partners in an effort to address the outbreak.

At this time, the CDC and WHO have not issued any travel warnings for avian flu-infected areas. However, the CDC advises travelers to countries in Asia, with documented H5N1 outbreaks, to avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals.

If you are planning to travel to a country that has reported the virus or would like additional information, you are advised to monitor the CDC and WHO web sites at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm and http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/ for the latest information.