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Warden Report - India - H5N1 local outbreak

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  • Warden Report - India - H5N1 local outbreak

    Warden Message: Manipur Avian Influenza Outbreak

    Consular Affairs Bulletins

    South / Central Asia - India
    30 Jul 2007


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    U.S. Consulate General Kolkata issued the following Warden Message on July 30, 2007:

    The Government of India has confirmed a localized outbreak of Avian Influenza, H5N1 strain, in the Northeastern Indian state of Manipur. The outbreak is in the town of Chingmeirong, north of the state capital Imphal. American citizens traveling to Manipur should take all necessary precautions. For details please refer to http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/...alth_1181.html. The outbreak has affected poultry but there are no reported human cases.

    The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata is located at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata, India 700071 and can be reached by telephone +91-33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335. The Internet home page address is http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov. For the latest security information, Americans living traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

  • #2
    Re: Warden Report - India - H5N1 local outbreak

    Warden Message: Manipur Avian Flu Outbreak: Prevention

    Consular Affairs Bulletins

    South / Central Asia - India
    3 Aug 2007
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    U.S. Consulate General Mumbai issued the following Warden Message on August 3, 2007:

    Last week the Government of India confirmed an outbreak of H1N5 virus, commonly referred to as Avian Influenza, on a small farm north of Imphal in the state of Manipur which is in the northeast part of the country. The government has started culling poultry in that area. There are no reported cases of human illness. This is the fourth outbreak reported in India. The first three occurred in early 2006.

    FAQs on Preventative Measures for Avian lnfluenza

    How do people become infected by Avian Influenza?

    Direct contact with infected poultry, or surfaces and objects contaminated by their feces, is presently considered the main route of human infection. To date, most human cases have occurred in rural or periurban areas where many households keep small poultry flocks, which often roam freely, sometimes entering homes or sharing outdoor areas where children play. As infected birds shed large quantities of virus in their feces, opportunities for exposure to infected droppings or to environments contaminated by the virus, are abundant under such conditions. Moreover, because many households in Asia depend on poultry for income and food, many families sell or slaughter and consume birds when signs of illness appear in a flock, and this practice has proved difficult to change. Exposure is considered most likely during slaughter, defeathering, butchering, and preparation of poultry for cooking.

    Is it safe for my family to eat poultry and poultry products?

    Yes, though certain precautions should be followed in countries currently experiencing outbreaks. Poultry and poultry products can be safely consumed provided they are properly cooked and properly handled. The H5N1 virus is sensitive to heat. Normal temperatures used for cooking (70oC in all parts of the food) will kill the virus. Consumers need to be sure that all parts of the poultry are fully cooked (no ?pink? parts). Frozen chicken which has been imported from countries with no reported H5N1 outbreaks is considered safe. The above precautions are extremely important to follow when buying chicken on the local Indian market.

    Is it safe to eat eggs?

    As always the outside of the eggs should always be washed thoroughly, and that all eggs should be properly cooked (no ?runny? yolks).

    Consumers should also be aware of the risk of cross-contamination. Juices from raw poultry and poultry products should never be allowed, during food preparation, to touch or mix with items eaten raw. When handling raw poultry or raw poultry products, those preparing the food, should wash their hands thoroughly and clean and disinfect surfaces which come into contact with the poultry products. Soap and hot water are sufficient for this purpose. Poultry and raw eggs should not be used in foods that will not be further heat-treated as, for example by cooking or baking. Therefore, caution must be taken when eating in restaurants which may be serving sauces or salad dressings containing undercooked egg products such as hollandaise sauce.

    Avian influenza is not transmitted through cooked food. To date, no evidence indicates that anyone has become infected following the consumption of properly cooked poultry or poultry products, even when these foods were contaminated with the H5N1 virus.

    How should I wash my kitchen utensils after handling poultry?

    It has been shown that the virus is sensitive to most detergents so that soap and not just water is important in killing the virus. Use a separate cutting board for poultry and carefully wash the board as well as utensils after use. You can follow this with a sanitizing solution of bleach: 1 TBSP bleach to 1 gallon or 4 liters of water.

    Where can I safely buy poultry products?

    At this point, we advise that you do not go to live poultry markets or meat markets where chickens are butchered. Instead, you buy poultry already prepared and wrapped in refrigerators in stores. We also advise you avoid going to any poultry farms (large or small) in India or other countries that have had avian influenza outbreaks.

    Does the virus spread easily from birds to humans?

    No, though 319 human cases have occurred with 192 deaths (as of July 2007), this is a small number compared with the huge number of birds affected and the numerous associated opportunities for human exposure, especially in areas where backyard flocks are common. It is not presently understood why some people, and not others, become infected following similar exposures.

    What about human-to-human transmission?

    Although there is evidence to suggest very limited, human-to-human transmission in family groups involving close exposure to a critically ill member, there is no evidence that the virus can be easily or sustainably transmitted from human-to-human.

    Can my children visit zoos?

    Yes, but it is recommended that they do not visit the aviary section(s) of the zoo.

    For more information, visit the following website: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/t...alth_1181.html

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Warden Report - India - H5N1 local outbreak

      This is too funny. Do they really think it will only be in the "aviary section" of the zoo?
      Can my children visit zoos?

      Yes, but it is recommended that they do not visit the aviary section(s) of the zoo.

      Comment

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