AVIAN INFLUENZA - птичий грип (сорри, на английском) - прислали по рабочей почте

AVIAN INFLUENZAAvian (bird) influenza is a viral disease that affects many species of BIRDS. It has affected bird populations in diverse parts of the world for many years. Since 1997, there have been occasional cases of transmission to humans in close contact with affected birds. So far, there have been no proven cases of person to person spread. However, because all influenza viruses have the ability to change, scientists are concerned that the virus could mutate and become capable of spreading easily between humans. If and when this happens, it is likely that an outbreak of ‘pandemic influenza’ could occur worldwide, similar to the pandemics in 1918, 1957, 1968 and 1977.Beginning in late June 2004 outbreaks of avian influenza among poultry were reported by several countries in Asia (Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam). These outbreaks are ongoing. Recently there have been occasional cases reported in wild and imported birds in Europe. It is not easy for humans to catch avian influenza from affected live birds or bird products, as demonstrated by the low numbers of cases which have occurred. On the rare occasions that this has happened, avian influenza has proven fatal in around half the cases. However, it is important to realize that if and when there is an outbreak of ‘pandemic influenza’ among humans, this will be a very different and much less dangerous disease. The UK Department of Health is basing its planning on the infection proving fatal in only 0.37% of cases (i.e. well under half a percent). If and when a pandemic occurs, a significant number of us are likely to be unwell for a week or so, and there is likely to be some disruption to everyday life because of this.At this stage, there is no justification for any form of quarantine, and there are NO TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS. However people traveling to East Asia and Eastern Europe are advised to:-? Avoid visiting live animal markets and poultry farms ? Avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with bird faeces ? Do not eat undercooked or raw poultry, egg or duck dishes? Do not attempt to bring any uncooked poultry products back to your home country Symptoms of Avian InfluenzaThe criteria for suspecting the illness are the development of the following symptoms within 7 days of exposure to infected birds:1. High temperature (over 38 degrees C) PLUS2. One or more respiratory symptoms such as a cough or breathlessnessPLUS3. Other symptoms such as headache and muscle achePLUS4. A recent history of travel to an affected region and contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces.Treatment and PreventionThere is currently no vaccine to avian influenza. If and when a human form emerges, it will take at least 4 months for a vaccine to be developed, and any supplies available are likely to be distributed solely to the WHO and appropriate government agencies (initially, at least).It is possible, but not certain, that antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) may shorten the duration and severity of the illness. These drugs are currently in short supply as government agencies are reserving them to use in the most effective way possible to minimise the spread and effects of a pandemic on any affected population. In the event that ‘pandemic influenza’ does become established, it is likely that very simple measures that we can all take to limit the spread will be our best defence, and these are really no different from sensible measures to be taken in the event of any infectious disease: 1. Seek initial medical advice by telephone or e-mail 2. Avoid exposing other people such as friends or colleagues3. Wash your hands frequently with ordinary soap and water as virus on the hands is a very common source of transmission4. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze5. Dispose of used tissues hygienically6. To reduce your risk of becoming unwell, stay as healthy as possible by getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. This will give your own immune system the best chance of fighting any infection you are exposed to.Sources of InformationRegular updates are posted on the WHO website at: http://www.who.intUK Public Health updates are available at: http://www.phls.org.ukHealth Protection Agency: http://www.hpa.org.ukCentres for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.govUK Department of Health information leaflet about pandemic influenza: http://www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/12/17/38/04121738.pdf