Travel warning issued over bird flu
Written by admin on August 28, 2024
The Australian government has issued a warning to travellers over bird flu outbreak concerns.
Strains of Avian Influenza, known as the bird flu, are circulating across the globe, with smarttraveller.gov.au warning of outbreaks in Europe, North and South America and Asia.
“Human infection is rare. But be aware of increased health risks when travelling to impacted countries,” the alert states.
The virus typically affects birds but can also infect animals, which can then lead to the virus being spread to humans.
“Eggs and poultry meat are safe to eat if handled and cooked using safe food handling practices,” the alert states.
Travellers have been urged to look out for signs of infection, including eye redness or irritation (conjunctivitis), fever, cough, sore throat, runny or blocked nose, muscle or body aches, fatigue, shortness of breath or difficult breathing, and pneumonia.
Other less common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or seizures, though infected people may not show symptoms.
There is no vaccine for the virus, however the influenza vaccine is “important to stop avian influenza from becoming a bigger threat to humans”, with travellers advised to ensure influenza vaccines are up to date.
Travellers have also been urged to minimise contact with animals in areas affected by the bird flu, avoid contact with dead or sick animals (including wild birds), and avoid poultry farms and live bird “wet” markets.
Washing hands often and thoroughly has also been recommended, particularly after contact with animals and their environments, while poultry and poultry products should be cooked thoroughly before consumption.
‘Talk to a doctor if you feel unwell,” the alert states.
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“If you feel unwell while travelling back to Australia, tell a crew member or airport staff. Make sure to tell them about any contact with sick people or animals.”
Australians should also see a doctor after returning to Australia if they have symptoms of the bird flu.
“Tell them your recent travel history, including any contact with sick people or animals,” the alert states.
