Public Information
AVIAN INFLUENZA

What is AVIAN INFLUENZA:	Avian Influenza (bird flu) is an infection caused by avian (bird) 
				influenza (flu) viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among 
				birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the virus in their intestines, 
				but usually do not get sick from them. However, bird flu is very 
				contagious among birds and sometimes can make chickens, 
				ducks, and turkeys very sick and kill them. 

Signs and Symptoms:		Symptoms of bird flu are similar to flu-like symptoms (fever, 
				cough, sore throat and muscle aches). Other symptoms that 
				have been reported include eye infections, pneumonia, severe 
				respiratory distress, and other life-threatening complications.  

Transmission:			The risk of bird flu in humans is very low, but several cases of 
				human infection have occurred since 1997. Most human cases 
				of bird flu infection have resulted from contact with infected 
				poultry or contaminated surfaces. Rarely, bird flu can acquire 
				the ability to be spread directly from person-to-person which 
				can lead to a flu pandemic (world-wide epidemic).

Treatment:			Prescription medicines approved for human flu viruses should 
				work, but the flu virus could become resistant and not work. 
				There is no vaccine currently available. 

Diagnosis:			A laboratory test is needed to detect avian flu in humans.

What can you do?		Avoid contact with infected birds and animals or any surface 
				contaminated with bird feces. Wash your hands immediately if 
				you do come in contact with infected animals or contaminated 
				surfaces. Children need to wash their hands after playing in 
				areas where they or their shoes may have come in contact 
				with bird feces. Separate raw meat, and anything it touches, 
				from cooked or ready-to-eat foods to avoid contamination. 
				Cook all meat thoroughly.
	
Whom do you call?		Delaware Division of Public Health: 1-888-295-5156

For more information:		Visit one of these websites.
				CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/ 
				Division of Public Health: 
				http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/avianflu.html
				U.S. DHHS: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/


 
  
24/7 Emergency Contact Number:  1-888-295-5156
Revised: 05/2007   Doc. # 35-05-20/07/05/1A