Overview

The risk of avian influenza to travelers is very low. Only rare cases of human infection with avian influenza have occurred, and there has been no sustained human to human transmission. Travelers to areas affected by avian influenza in birds are not considered to be at elevated risk of infection unless direct and un-protected exposure to infected birds occurs. The Center of Disease Control (CDC) and WHO have posted recommendations regarding safe travel.  Before traveling, check the CDC or WHO web sites for up-to-date information.  The links are www.cdc.gov/travel and http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/index.html. Map

Traveling to an Affected Area

• 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
• Exercise good personal hygiene with frequent hand washing

After You Return from an Infected Area

• Monitor your health for 10 days..
• If you become ill with a fever plus cough, sore throat, or trouble breathing during this 10 day period, consult a health care provider. Before you visit your health care provider inform them of:

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
    

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. Consult the U.S. Department of State site, Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts, for contact information.