Bird flu travel advice issued by Department of Health
Leaflets
and posters giving advice to travellers to areas affected by avian influenza have been produced by the Department of Health.
Increased awareness of avian influenza among the public will result in
concerns being raised with health care professionals, Sir Liam Donaldson,
chief medical officer for England, warns in a letter
to health professionals about the guides.
“While H5N1 infections have not been reported in the UK, it is
prudent that the public is provided with clear factual information on
this issue,” he
says.
“It is important to remember that currently H5N1 avian influenza
is predominately a disease of birds. The virus does not pass easily from
birds to humans.
However, in the rare instances where humans have become infected — as
a result of close contact with infected poultry — the virus has
caused severe disease with a high fatality rate,” he adds.
In his letter, Sir Liam also reminds health care professionals of the
Health Protection Agency’s algorithm for
the management of those presenting with febrile respiratory illness who
have returned from countries
affected by avian influenza. The leaflets
and posters are being sent to all GP surgeries
and are accessible via PJ Online. |
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