Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection has reported that a 59-year-old woman from Sichuan province, China, is in a critical condition in hospital with the H5N6 avian flu. The woman developed the symptoms late November and admitted to hospital four days later. An investigation has revealed she had visited a live-poultry market before the onset of her symptoms. Another case reported in December has died from the disease who had also visited a live-poultry market before developing the disease. Read more
Advice for travellers
While bird flu is often fatal in humans, there has been no sustained person-to-person transmission. Infection occurs after contact with the saliva, mucous or faeces of infected birds or surfaces contaminated with them, which makes the disease a low risk for most travellers. Australians travelling to a region where the disease is present or an outbreak is occurring should avoid contact with birds or poultry in marketplaces, wash their hands 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.