Protect Yourself This Lunar New Year: Essential Precautions Against Avian Influenza
Overview
In the lead up to Lunar New Year festivities in Asia, there is increased trading and handling of poultry, and travel rush of the festivities will start at the end of January 2025.
With ongoing reports of avian influenza outbreaks in domestic and wild birds in the region, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has recently issued an alert.
Several animal influenza viruses currently circulating in poultry have the potential to transmit to humans and may cause severe disease. Increases in trade and travel will lead to a higher risk of exposure among people.
Vigilance remains crucial, although human infections with avian influenza so far have been sporadic, with most of the infections occurred following contact with infected poultry and/or their environments, and there have been no reports of sustained human-to-human transmission.
In view of the upcoming festivities, and continual reports of human infections with avian influenza, there is a need to repeat standing WHO advice.
General precautions
Limit exposure to potentially infected poultry and environments
The public should minimize contact with animals in areas known to be affected by animal influenza viruses, including farms and other settings where live animals may be sold or slaughtered, and avoid contact with any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with animal faeces.
The public should strictly avoid contact with any animals that are sick or dead from unknown causes, including wild animals, and should report sick or unexpectedly dead animals to veterinary authorities.
Travellers and people living in countries with known outbreaks of avian influenza should, if possible, avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live poultry markets, entering areas where poultry may be slaughtered, and contact with any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with faeces from poultry or other animals.
Perform good hand hygiene and follow general food safety advice
Everyone should perform hand hygiene, preferably washing their hands either with soap and running water (especially if hands are visibly dirty) or using alcohol-based hand rub. In all cases, hand hygiene should be performed thoroughly and as often as needed – but especially before and after contact with animals and their environments.
Everyone should practice food safety habits – separating raw meat from cooked or ready-to-eat foods, keeping surfaces clean and washing hands, cooking food thoroughly, and handling and storing meat and eggs properly. Only slaughter healthy animals for human consumption – animals that have unexpectedly died should not be consumed and should be disposed of appropriately in accordance with national regulations; avoid consuming raw/unpasteurized milk.
Seek health care when sick or following contact with potentially infected animals or their environments
The initial symptoms are often similar to other respiratory virus infections with a runny nose, sore throat and sneezing but can progress rapidly and create serious complications. It is essential to seek timely care from a healthcare provider and inform them of any potential exposure.
For public health practitioners
Increase awareness of avian influenza among the population and health care workers. Increase surveillance and ensure laboratories are equipped, especially in areas where risk is highest.
Collaborate closely with the animal sector to reduce the risk of transmission of avian influenza viruses to humans in ways that are acceptable to the public, producers and traders.
Report and promptly investigate any human infections with avian influenza viruses.
Follow WHO’s Practical interim guidance to reduce the risk of infection in people exposed to avian influenza viruses.
Current seasonal influenza vaccines are unlikely to protect people against infection with avian influenza viruses. However, it is important that people, who may have frequent exposure to infected or potentially infected birds or other animals, get a seasonal influenza vaccine, as it can reduce the prevalence and severity of seasonal influenza and may reduce the rare risk of coinfection with a seasonal influenza virus and avian influenza virus.
For more information, please refer to the WHO factsheet at: Influenza (avian and other zoonotic)