American Citizen Services
Fact Sheet: Avian Influenza A (H5N1) and Pandemic Influenza
This fact sheet alerts Americans to the Department of State's preparedness efforts with respect to a possible influenza pandemic. The Department of State emphasizes that, in the event of a pandemic, its ability to assist Americans traveling and residing abroad may be severely limited by restrictions on local and international movement imposed for public health reasons, either by foreign governments and/or the United States. Furthermore, American citizens should take note that the Department of State cannot provide Americans traveling or living abroad with medications or supplies even in the event of a pandemic.
Background - H5N1 Avian Influenza A
Countries continue to report cases of avian influenza A (H5N1), commonly referred to as "bird flu" in their domestic and wild bird populations. In addition, countries are reporting H5N1 in other wild and domestic animal populations. A small number of confirmed cases of H5N1 among humans have been reported, some of which have resulted in death. More information is available on the World Health Organization (WHO) website, http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/country/en/.
Please refer to this website for the most up to date information on the countries affected by H5N1 and the number of deaths.
The vast majority of the reported human cases have resulted from direct contact with H5N1-infected poultry. Although there is evidence to suggest very limited, human- to-human transmission in family groups involving close exposure to a critically ill member, there is no evidence that the virus can be easily or sustainably transmitted from human-to-human. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (DHHS/CDC), the WHO, and the Department of State are nonetheless concerned about the potential for the virus to adapt or mutate into a strain that can be easily transmitted in a sustained manner among humans, a characteristic that could result in a human influenza pandemic, and are working closely with other partners to prepare for the possibility of pandemic influenza. Information on the U.S. Government's overall response and efforts is available at http://www.pandemicflu.gov.
Travel and Avian Influenza A
The Department of State, the DHHS/CDC and the WHO have not issued any health precautions, travel alerts or warnings for H5N1 infected areas. However, the DHHS/CDC advises travelers to H5N1 affected countries to avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces or fluids from poultry or other animals, and to eat only thoroughly cooked poultry products. American citizens traveling to or living in H5N1 affected countries should consider the potential risks and keep informed of the latest medical guidance and information in order to make appropriate plans. Specific DHHS/CDC travel information relating to H5N1, including preventive measures, is available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm and http://www.cdc.gov/travel. WHO guidance related to avian influenza is available at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/.
Additional general country information can be obtained from the Department of State's Consular Information Sheets at http://travel.state.gov and embassy and consulate websites at
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/embassies/embassies_1214.html.
You may also call the Department of State's toll-free number, 1-888-407-4747, or if calling from overseas, 202-501-4444.