Avian influenza is an infectious disease amongst avian such as chickens, ducks and wild birds which is caused by A influenza virus.

Avian influenza was first reported to infect human in 1997 when the epidemic occurred in Hong Kong.

Since 2003, several outbreak of avian influenza in human have been reported in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia.

HOW ARE THE RISKS?
Those persons directly exposed to infected birds, such as

• Staying near farms where chickens, ducks and other birds and poultry are reared.
• Workers of poultry farms, slaughter houses and poultry markets.
• Those who are involved in inspecting poultry farms for chickens, ducks and birds.
• General public who rear chickens and other birds.

ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC

• Keep your environment clean, especially poultry farms, slaughter houses and poultry markets.
• Observe personal hygiene when handling chickens and birds.
• Always wash hands with soap and clean water.
• Avoid visiting local or foreign poultry farms.
• Be sure that chicken and birds are properly cooked to temperature of 70 C ensure that the virus is destroyed.
• Be sure that eggs are also properly boiled. Avoid eating half boiled eggs or partially fried eggs.
• Confined all chickens in their cages.
• Children are not allowed to come near play with chickens and birds.
• See a doctor immediately, if you are at risk of avian influenza and you have symptoms such as:
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Flu
  • Cough
  • Eyes infection
  • Difficulty in breathing

• Sudden fever (usually 39°C or above)
• Headache
• Extreme tiredness
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea (more common in children)

What you should do if you have flu:

• Rest
• Drink plenty of fluid
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco
• Take medication to relieve symptoms (eg. paracetamol, actified, benadryl)

How to prevent infection:

• Avoid close contact
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose