The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed the first British person to be infected with the avian influenza is from the Devon region. Authorities have continued to assure the wider public that the risk of catching bird flu continues to be very low, but have advised people not to touch sick or dead birds. The government has instituted several new measures such as a 3 km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zones, enhanced surveillance and legal restrictions in order to try to tackle UK’s biggest ever outbreak of bird flu in the South West. Across the UK there have been more than 60 cases of avian flu reported. 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 infected birds, which makes the disease a low risk for 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.