Avian influenza update - Vietnam

The following health alert was issued for Viet Nam on Wednesday, 19
January, 2005.

Avian influenza update - Vietnam

The problem has not gone away. New outbreaks of bird flu have been
reported in 7 southern provinces in Viet Nam, and also one area near
Hanoi since late December 2004. With the recurrent outbreak by January
15 at least 180,000 birds had been culled to try to contain the
disease.
Human cases continue to occur and since the first week in January 2004
30 confirmed cases have been reported in Vietnam. So far most avian
influenza victims have eaten or lived with sick chickens but officials
have been reported as saying a 9 year old boy who died from avian
influenza on 4 Jan 2005 caught the disease by swimming in water used for
the disposal of
infected poultry.

For visitors to the country especially to the main cities and resort
areas bird flu poses no problem provided you take care. Obviously
poultry farms should be avoided but many people particularly in rural
areas keep poultry and ducks for home consumption which could pose a
danger to visitors. Do not wander through animal markets. Flesh that is
thoroughly cooked will not be infectious but you may feel it safer not
to have poultry at all.

The influenza vaccine will not protect against bird flu but on general
grounds it is recommended that all visitors to Vietnam Have a flu
vaccination as part of health preparation

Best Regards,
The Travel Doctor TMVC.