Epidemiology & Disease Prevention - Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health

Disease Prevention

Pandemic Flu: Frequently Asked Questions FAQ Key

Travel

What precautions should I take if I live or visit in an area affected by H5N1 bird flu?

Avoid contact with live birds, chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, and their feces, feathers, and pens if at all possible. Children, in particular, should be warned and precautions enforced.
Pet birds should not be kept.
If preparing poultry, cook it well done before eating.
Avoid cross contamination of other foods by use of separate kitchen utensils and surfaces exposed to raw poultry.
Wash hands with soap and water after any poultry contact.
Be sure, if possible, that poultry does not live near your housing area.
Do not transport live or dead poultry even if it appears to be healthy.
Avoid poultry products from areas of infected birds.
If you must travel to infected areas and work directly with infected birds, poultry or humans, hand washing and shoe and clothing cleaning should be an immediate priority.
Be sure to wear gloves, a special N-95 mask, goggles, and a disposable gown if you must be in contact with the birds/poultry in enclosed environments where aerosolization of the small virus particles may occur.
Observe yourself for the development of any respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms after the visit and check your temperature for a week afterwards, and contact a physician if you have any questions.

Should I begin taking antiviral medications such as Tamiflu® if I'm planning a visit to another country known to have avian or bird flu?
No, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifically states at this time persons traveling to countries with avian influenza cases in birds, poultry, or humans do not need to take Tamiflu® prophylactically. If you become ill in any way while in the country, you should seek medical advice immediately.

Travelers to any country that has reported cases of H5N1 among birds or humans should consider scheduling an appointment with their health care provider before traveling to discuss risks for potential exposure to H5N1. Only you and your health care provider can determine that risk and what the most appropriate precautions are for you.