Facts about Avian Influenza and the Public's Awareness of the Threat

In the United States, talk about avian influenza and the public listens, but elsewhere in the world, it is unclear if the public has been properly advised or if they are taking the advisements seriously. While some people may think that the fears are exaggerated, it is doubtful that the World Health Organization is trying to create panic. More likely they are concerned that some countries will not take precautions necessary for the prevention of the avian influenza H5N1 virus in large numbers of people.According to figures compiled by the World Health Organization, the H5N1 avian influenza virus has now infected a total of 253 people in 10 different countries, resulting in 148 deaths. Thus far in 2006, the highest numbers of human cases have been in Indonesia, with 50, Egypt, with 15, China and Turkey, with 12 each. In Indonesia, 40 have died and the World Health Organization (WHO) believes that sporadic human cases will continue to occur, unless the "situation is urgently and comprehensively addressed." The WHO and the Ministry of Health in Thailand believe that education about the threat of avian influenza and public awareness of it is the best way to prevent more deaths. Prevention of the avian influenza virus in humans, as it now exists, can be accomplished if certain risky behaviors are avoided.For example, in Indonesia, where a 15 year old boy died in June, sick and dying birds were allowed to live inside the household. In Egypt, where 15 cases have occurred thus far in 2006, with the first reported in May and the latest in September, and there have been 6 deaths from the illness, outbreaks were first noted in backyard flocks in March. Thought to be under control, outbreaks occurred again in September. The latest victim was a woman who developed symptoms after slaughtering and removing the feathers from a dozen ducks that showed signs of the illness. Two cases are believed to have been caused by drinking uncooked duck blood. What all of this means is that prevention of the avian influenza in humans revolves primarily around safe handling of poultry. Handling sick or dying birds, without proper precautions causes avian influenza and the public in affected countries needs to be aware.Currently in the United States, the H5N1 strain has not appeared, but it probably will, because migrating birds from Asia intermingle with the migrating birds of North and South America on a yearly basis. However, the majority of the poultry in the United States are raised indoors, where they are not allowed to intermingle with wild birds, so the chance of large flocks of poultry becoming infected are very low. Additionally, people who tend to and handle the poultry are required to wear gloves, masks and other protective clothing, so as to prevent infection of the birds and prevent being infected by the birds. Prevention of the avian influenza outbreaks in the United States may involve the destruction of some free ranging, outdoor or backyard flocks, but hopefully this will prevent infections in humans. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the World Health Organization work to provide frequent reports about avian influenza and the public can access these reports at their websites. For more information about avian influenza and how to protect yourself and your family, visit the Immune System Booster Guide.

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