Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has urged residents to ‘maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene both locally and during travel’ after confirmation of the 17th human H5N6 avian flu infection on the mainland this year, and the fifth this month. The most recent case is a farmer from Liuzhou in Guangxi province who is confirmed to have had contact with live poultry. Read more
Advice for travellers
There are several strains of bird flu and while the high pathogenic strains can be fatal, infection generally poses a low risk for travellers – even for those heading to a region where the disease is present or an outbreak is occurring. Travellers should avoid contact with birds or poultry in marketplaces, wash hands thoroughly before and after preparing food, and observe strict personal hygiene. Read more on bird flu and how to avoid it.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.