The most recent info on avian influenza available from the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Indonesia has had a total of 69 confirmed human cases, since 2003. The avian influenza statistics compiled by WHO include only confirmed cases of human infection and death resulting from infection with the H5N1 virus. Any influenza virus that infects birds is referred to as avian influenza. Only influenza type A viruses infect both people and birds. Of the influenza A viruses that have been found in both birds and people, scientists are most concerned about H5N1. This virus has caused death in humans, while humans have been infected with other strains of avian influenza (H7 and H9) they have only caused mild illness and have only been found in people who had contact with sick or dead birds. H5N1 is believed to have been transmitted by human to human contact in one family in Indonesia in 2006.
The latest info on avian influenza published by the WHO concerned the case of a 21-year old female from East Java province in Indonesia. She is the sister of an 11 year old boy who died on September 18, 2006. She began to show symptoms on the 24th of September and was immediately isolated in the hospital and is being given the anti-viral drug oseltamivir. Other anti-virals have proven to be ineffective in treating avian influenza in humans. Avian influenza statistics show that of the 69 human cases in Indonesia, 52 have resulted in the death of the individual. No cases were reported in Indonesia before 2005 and the majority (50) has occurred this year.
Most of the cases in 2005 occurred in Viet Nam, where 61 cases resulted in 19 deaths. Before 2003 the disease had never before been reported in Viet Nam. The H5 virus was found in 70,000 birds of which 40,000 died and 30,000 were destroyed. The WHO’s info on avian influenza statistics for Viet Nam show that 3 confirmed human cases, all resulting in death, occurred in 2003. In 2004, the number of human cases reported went up to 29, of which 20 resulted in death. Thus far, in 2006, no new cases have been reported in Viet Nam.
The info on avian influenza published for travelers advises that the disease is not highly transmittable among humans. However, travelers should avoid handling dead birds or raw poultry. The Center for Disease Control advises that those who are traveling to affected countries should not handle live birds, even if they appear to be well and should avoid surfaces that are contaminated with bird droppings. Currently there are 48 different countries in Asia, Europe and Africa that have reported outbreaks in poultry and wild birds. Additionally, travelers are advised not to eat any poultry that has not been thoroughly cooked. According to the avian influenza statistics, two cases are believed to have resulted from drinking uncooked duck blood.
If you are planning a trip to a foreign country and you do not currently take an immune system booster, you may be smart to start. A strong immune system can protect you from viruses and other infections. According to the latest info on avian influenza published by the CDC, a vaccine has not yet been found to prevent H5N1 infection in humans or birds. While the disease rarely affects humans, the avian influenza statistics do continue to grow slowly.
