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About
Avian Flu
The H5N1 avian influenza virus was first reported in birds in 1996 in Guangdong Province, China. In 1997, the first human infections were reported in Hong Kong. Since that time, the virus has continued to spread in wild and domestic birds. Numerous countries are now reporting confirmed H5N1 viruses in their avian populations. This is consistent with the wild bird migratory patterns throughout the world.
This avian influenza virus (H5N1) presents a substantial threat to human health because there is no immunity in the human population to this virus. In the past, viruses similar to the H5N1 have been responsible for 3 pandemics which occurred in the last century. This is why health officials worldwide are doing everything possible to prevent and/or prepare for a future pandemic.
To date – most human cases have occurred among persons who have had close contact with infected birds, or their droppings/secretions. There have been a few human- to -human transmissions in situations where there was close contact with an infected individual in the household. Efficient human-to-human transmission of avian influenza H5N1 has not yet occurred, but the potential for this virus to mutate into a human virus is of concern. The WHO provides a current update of the confirmed cases of H5N1 in humans.
As a result, the WHO and the CDC have made preparedness planning a priority for governments, businesses and organizations. It is important that companies begin their pandemic preparedness planning now. Resources are available in this website under Corporate Preparedness.
The World Health Organization has a warning system developed that describes the status of a pandemic in different phases. Currently the world is in Phase 3 which remains in the Pandemic Alert Period.
There are interim guidelines in this website which address prevention, preparedness planning and health information relative to the avian influenza. These guidelines represent a compilation of current recommendations from health and government agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, Because of the changing circumstances of avian influenza (H5N1),revisions to these interim guidelines are made on an ongoing basis. It is recommended that individuals and organizations regularly review this website for situational updates and guidelines as they become available. |
