Key Factors
- Smartraveller has issued a warning over outbreaks of a number of strains of avian influenza, often known as chicken flu.
- Individuals visiting Europe, North and South America, and Asia are suggested to pay attention to well being dangers.
- Avian influenza primarily impacts birds, and an infection in people is uncommon.
The Australian authorities is warning travellers to Europe, North and South America and Asia about outbreaks of , generally often called chicken flu.
Based on the Division of International Affairs and Commerce’s Smartraveller web site, whereas human an infection is uncommon, travellers ought to pay attention to “elevated well being dangers” when visiting impacted nations.
There have been a number of strains of avian influenza circulating in latest months, together with the .
Three separate strains of chicken flu have been detected throughout this 12 months, prompting mass culls and egg shortages in components of the nation.
What’s the journey recommendation for chicken flu?
There is no such thing as a vaccine accessible for avian influenza, however based on Smartraveller, getting the annual may also help cut back the specter of the virus to people.
Travellers are suggested to minimise contact with animals in affected areas, keep away from poultry farms and dwell chicken ‘moist’ markets, and wash palms typically and completely.
Eggs and poultry meat are fit for human consumption, however they have to be cooked completely and protected meals dealing with practices have to be adopted.
A number of strains of chicken flu have had outbreaks in latest months. Supply: Getty / Peter Garrard Beck
Travellers are suggested to analysis the well being dangers in any vacation spot and guarantee influenza vaccines are updated earlier than journey.
Anyone with signs is suggested to see a physician.
What’s avian influenza?
Avian influenza is an infectious illness attributable to influenza A viruses, much like the virus that causes seasonal influenza in people.
Because the identify suggests, the viruses primarily have an effect on birds however can infect different animals. It hardly ever spreads to people, however .
Signs can embrace eye irritation, fever, sore throat or cough, runny or blocked nostril, muscle or physique aches, fatigue, shortness of breath and pneumonia.
Much less widespread signs can embrace nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or seizures.
Some folks might not present any signs.
