New advice for bird flu-affected countries

THE HEALTH Ministry in association with the Veterinary Services have issued guidelines for people travelling to and from countries affected by avian flu.

Those travelling to an affected country are advised to avoid all contact with live or dead (raw) poultry and not to visit bird/poultry farms, slaughterhouses, parks, exhibitions and markets.

Additionally, people should wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use disinfectant wipes and should only eat thoroughly cooked food.

Birds or poultry products should not be brought back to the island.

People travelling from an affected country are advised to contact the accident and emergency department of the nearest hospital or their family doctor if they have been in contact with live or dead (raw poultry) and have developed a fever (over 38C or 100.4F) which is accompanied by coughing, a shortness of breath or a sore throat, within ten days of their arrival.

Countries where the disease has been reported are: Indonesia, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Laos, Malaysia, Pakistan, Mongolia, North Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Croatia, Ukraine, Romania, Russia and Turkey.

n For more information, please contact the Health Ministry on 22400146/222 and the Veterinary Services on 22805203/204

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