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Bird flu is a disease that we need to consider seriously even though in the past year there have been fewer recorded cases here in Bali. As a school we have developed an emergency contingency plan should an epidemic occur in Bali. If there is a serious epidemic, which could arise very quickly, students may not be allowed to attend school yet still be here in Bali.
Please find below some information adapted from the BIMC clinic here in Bali also a website link with up to date information and a symptom chart that is helpful in identifying POSSIBLE avian flu symptoms. Please remember that this chart is written to give an indication and is not designed to give a definite diagnosis. The chart has been adapted from reliable medical sources in Australia.
Very useful and comprehensive website link from FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office):
Katharine (Katie) Jones,
Director
Sekolah Dyatmika
September 16th 2008
What You Need To Know
Adapted from BIMC Hospital
Avian Flu
1. What is Avian Flu?
Influenza A (H5N1) is a subtype of the type A influenza virus. Wild birds are the natural hosts of this virus hence, the name avian influenza or bird flu. The virus circulates among birds worldwide. It is very contagious among birds and can be deadly to them, particularly domesticated birds like chickens.
2. Who does it infect?
The virus does not typically infect humans. In 1997, however, the first instance of direct bird-to-human transmission of influenza A (H5N1) virus was documented during an outbreak of avian influenza among poultry in Hong Kong; the virus caused severe respiratory illness in 18 people, 6 of them died. Since that time, there have been other instances of H5N1 infection among humans. However, H5N1 viruses thus far have not been capable of efficient human-to-human transmission. Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely for evidence of H5N1 transmission between people.
3. How does it spread?
Infected birds shed virus in saliva, nasal secretions and fasces. Avian flu viruses spread among susceptible birds when they have contact with contaminated excretions. It is believed that most cases of H5N1 infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces.
4. Are there drugs available for prevention and treatment?
Yes. Tamiflu which contents oseltamivir is an antiviral medication, which shown to be effective to suppress the virus’s ability to spread from infected cells to healthy cells. As of October 7, 2005 Indonesia has 60.000 tablets of Tamiflu. Currently the antiviral is only available at 44 referral hospitals. In Bali it is available at Sanglah hospital.
5. Who should take the drug?
Current avian flu management guidelines recommended oseltamivir is recommended for a person with:
- High fever (>38ºC)
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- With a history of possible exposure
that may have put that person at risk of becoming infected by avian influenza, i.e:
- During the 7 days before onset, has 1 or more of:
- Contact (within 1 m) with live or dead domestic fowl or wild birds
- Exposure to settings where domestic fowl were or had been confined in the previous 6 weeks
- Contact (with touching or speaking distance) with a person for whom the diagnosis of influenza A (H5N1) is considered
- Contact (within touching or speaking distance) with a person with an unexplained acute respiratory illness that later resulted in death
- (or) During the 7 days before onset, having worked in a lab where there is a processing sample from persons or animals suspected having avian flu.
(The criterion above is only applicable at countries and territories where avian flu has been identified as a cause of illness in human or animal population). So far, tamiflu is only administered to symptomatic people possibly exposed to avian flu. It is not yet recommended as prophylaxis before exposure and no studies show it gives immunity against the H5N1 virus.
6. If I am vaccinated against influenza can I still be infected with Avian Flu?
Yes. Current vaccine will not protect you against disease caused by the H5N1 strain. Current vaccine protects you against seasonal influenza type A and B. Vaccines against H5N1 is under development in several countries.
7. What are the benefits of being vaccinated against influenza if it is still possible to contract the Avian Flu?
The purpose of this vaccination is to reduce the opportunities of simultaneous infection of human influenza and the avian influenza. Such dual infections give the avian and human viruses an opportunity to exchange genes or mutate, possibly resulting in a new influenza subtype which can easily spread as human influenza and be as lethal as avian influenza.
8. Is it safe to eat chickens, eggs, and other poultry?
There is no evidence that you can get avian flu from eating chickens, eggs, and other poultry products. However, WHO does recommend taking all precautionary measures to ensure that poultry products are properly prepared and safe to eat, i.e.:
- Chicken meat is prepared hygienically and cooked thoroughly, i.e. no pink juices should be observed. However, remember, if a bird has a transmittable disease, the person preparing the food is at risk of becoming infected and the environment may become contaminated.
- Eggs, too, may carry pathogens, such as the bird flu virus inside or on their shells. Care must be taken in handling raw eggs and shells. Wash shells in soapy water and wash hands afterwards. Eggs, cooked thoroughly (hard boiled, 5 minutes, 70ºC) will not infect the consumer with avian flu.
- In general, all food should be thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 70ºC or above (at least 1 minute at 80ºC)
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