Travelers Returning From Certain Asian Nations Encouraged to Monitor Their Health

(Santa Ana) – The celebration of the Lunar New Year results in increased travel between the United States and many Asian countries, including those in which cases of avian influenza A (H5N1), or bird flu, have been reported. Because many travelers will soon be returning to the United States, the Orange County Health Care Agency has joined with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in urging returning travelers to monitor their health for at least ten days after the completion of their trip.

As of February 17, 2005, 55 human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1) had been reported in Vietnam (37), Thailand (17) and Cambodia (1), resulting in 42 deaths since January 2004. Avian influenza A (H5N1) is a viral infection that usually affects wild birds but can infect and cause serious disease among poultry, such as chickens. While it is unusual for humans to get influenza virus infections directly from poultry or wild birds, a number of human infections and outbreaks caused by certain avian influenza A viruses have been documented. H5N1 infections in humans can cause serious disease and death, and no human vaccine exists to prevent infection.

During the ten-day period after returning to the U.S., travelers are encouraged to monitor their health for any symptoms of illness. Should a traveler returning from Vietnam, Thailand or Cambodia become ill with fever, difficulty breathing, or cough during this period, they should contact their health care provider. Before visiting a doctor’s office, clinic, emergency room or other health care facility, the traveler should inform the provider of their symptoms and recent travel to an area in which avian influenza has been reported. Physicians treating individuals with respiratory symptoms that have traveled to these areas and returned to Orange County should contact Public Health immediately at (714) 834-8180 for appropriate testing.