Avian Influenza Update for American Citizens in Vietnam
December 23, 2006 Vietnamese news sources have reported that during the month of December 2006 approximately 6,000 unvaccinated chickens, ducks and ducklings in the Mekong Delta provinces of Bac Lieu and Ca Mau died from Avian influenza (H5N1). These are the first cases in Vietnam in animals in a year. There are no reported animal to human cases or human to human cases to date since November 2005. The Government of Vietnam is taking precautionary quarantine measures in these areas. With this new development it is necessary to take health precautions to protect yourself and family from exposure to the virus. Please follow the recommendations listed below. You are not considered at risk if you travel to the Mekong Delta unless you have direct and un-protected exposure to infected birds.
If you decide to travel to the Mekong Delta area or any rural area:
• Exercise good personal hygiene with frequent hand washing • Get your seasonal flu immunization
• Avoid contact with live poultry and wild birds
• Avoid visiting live animal markets and poultry farms
• Avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with animal droppings/feces
• Avoid handling birds found dead • Do not eat or handle undercooked or raw poultry, egg or duck dishes
• Do not wear the shoes you wear on the street in your home • Avoid walking in wet grass or mud because there may be bird droppings there
When You Return from an Infected Area • Monitor your health for 10 days.
• If you become ill with a fever of 100. 4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, plus cough, sore throat, trouble breathing, or diarrhea during this 10 day period, call your medical services provider for an appointment. Before you visit them, please let them know: 1. your symptoms
2. where you traveled 3. if you have had direct contact with poultry or close contact with any severely ill person or persons
4. If you are coughing, please wear a face mask
If You Become Sick While Traveling • If you become sick with symptoms such as a fever accompanied by a cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing or if you develop any illness that requires prompt medical attention, a U.S. Consular officer can assist you in locating medical services and informing your friends and family. More Information can be found on the following web sites: US Health and Human Services (www.pandemicflu.gov),
World Health Organization (www.who.int/en/) and US Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) American Citizen Services Section U.S. Consulate General, Ho Chi Minh City Phone: 84-8-822-9433 x 2159 After hours emergencies: (84) 90-392-4613 Fax: 84-8-824-5571 Email: acshcmc@state.gov
Hours: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday (notarials, passport applications, other services) 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday (Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, Report of Death Abroad) Fridays -- emergency cases only
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Avian Flu Information
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