As with any disease, its spread is hampered by frequent hand-washing, and avoidance of contaminated surfaces. Normal food preparation precautions are sufficient to rid surfaces of material that could be covered in infectious material. Currently, there is no need to avoid eating chicken or other poultry for two main reasons: first, that the virus is not food-borne; and second, that the U.S. has placed an import embargo on any poultry from countries where the avian flu is considered a risk. As of February 2004, the United States does not accept domestic fowl from the following countries: Cambodia; Indonesia; Japan; Laos; Malaysia; People's Republic of China, including Hong Kong, SAR; South Korea; Thailand; and Vietnam.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) currently advises that travelers to countries in Asia with known outbreaks of influenza A (H5N1) avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals. Also, assemble a travel health kit containing basic first aid and medical supplies. Be sure to include a thermometer and alcohol-based hand rub for hand hygiene. You may wish to check your health insurance plan or get additional insurance that covers medical evacuation in the event of illness. (Source: CDC website)
The Bottom Line
The avian influenza, or bird flu, is a potentially dangerous virus that bears watching. It is currently not a worldwide threat to humans, and measures are being taken to develop treatments and vaccines for the virus should it become an easily transmissible disease. While many experts, and the World Health Organization, caution that the virus could be the next flu pandemic, people should be aware that these dire warnings have also led health agencies to prevent them from becoming a reality.