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Travel Advice
Overview |
Precautions | After
Returning | Learn More
Overview
According to the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of
avian influenza to travelers is very low. Only rare cases of human
infection have occurred and there has been no sustained human to
human transmission.
When traveling
to any foreign country, especially areas affected by highly
pathogenic avian
influenza (H5N1), it is always wise to check with international travel
authorities or the CDC for any updated information.
For a map of
confirmed cases,
click here.
Precautions
When traveling to an area affected by H5N1 avian influenza, please
observe the following precautions:
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Avoid all contact with
poultry (e.g., chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, turkeys, and
quail) or any wild birds, and avoid settings where H5N1-infected
poultry may be present, such as commercial or backyard poultry
farms and live poultry markets. Do not eat uncooked or
undercooked poultry or poultry products, including dishes made
with uncooked poultry blood.
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As with other infectious
illnesses, one of the most important preventive practices is
careful and frequent hand washing. Clean your hands often, using
either soap and water (or waterless, alcohol-based hand gels
when soap is not available and hands are not visibly soiled) to
remove potentially infectious materials from your skin and help
prevent disease transmission.
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Do not travel while ill,
unless traveling locally for medical care.
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Limiting contact with others
as much as possible can help prevent the spread of an infectious
illness.
-
CDC does not recommend the
routine use of masks or other personal protective equipment
while in public areas.
After Returning
If you believe you might have been exposed to avian influenza, do
the following:
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Monitor your health for 10
days.
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If you become ill with fever
and develop a cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing or if
you develop any illness with fever during this 10-day period,
consult a health-care provider.
Before you visit a
health-care setting, tell the provider the following: 1) your
symptoms, 2) where you traveled, and 3) if you have had direct
contact with poultry.
Top of Page
Learn More
· Outbreak
Notice: Human Infection with Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus, Advice
for Travelers (CDC)
· Outbreak
Notice: Interim Guidance about Avian Influenza A (H5N1) for U.S.
Citizens Living Abroad (CDC)
· Guidelines
and Recommendations: Interim Guidance for Airline Flight Crews and
Persons Meeting Passengers Arriving from Areas with Avian Influenza
(CDC)
· Recommendations
Relating to Travelers Coming From and Going to Countries
Experiencing Outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza.
(WHO)
· Medical
Information for American Traveling Abroad (U.S. Department of
State)
· Avian
Flu FAQ (U.S. Department of State)
· Avian
Flu Fact Sheet (U.S. Department of State)
· Bird
and Pandemic Flu Information from other Nations (PandemicFlu.gov)
· Travelers'
Health Automated Information Line
(CDC)
PHONE: 877-FYI-TRIP toll free
(Information about ordering the Yellow
Book and International Certificates of Vaccination and recorded
messages on travel-related health topics)
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