H7N9 Avian Flu Watch from CDC

 

Dear Parents,

 
Due to the recent occurrences of Avian Flu or Bird Flu (H7N9) in China, we are putting out a notice concerning H7N9. Thanks to Conrad’s dad, Carsten, for sharing with us H7N9 information from hospital.
Follwing is the note put out by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Please take note of the daily precautions you can take for your children to prevent the Avian Flu.
Thank you.
Morgan Huang
Ed.M. Harvard University
Director

Watch: Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions
Avian Flu (H7N9) in China

This information is current as of today, April 06, 2013 at 17:11 EDT

Released: April 05, 2013

What is the current situation?

On April 1, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that influenza A (H7N9), a type of flu usually seen in birds, has been identified in a number of people in China. Cases have been confirmed in the following provinces: Shanghai, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Zhejiang.
This is the first time this virus has been seen in people. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Infection with the new virus has resulted in severe respiratory illness and, in some cases, death. Chinese health authorities are conducting investigations to learn the source of the infections with this virus and to find other cases.
CDC is following this situation closely and coordinating with domestic and international partners in a number of areas. More information will be posted as it becomes available.
There is no recommendation against travel to China at this time.

What can travelers and Americans living in China do to protect themselves?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent H7N9. At this time, we do not know the source of this virus. CDC is repeating its standard advice to travelers and Americans living in China to follow good hand hygiene and food safety practices and to avoid contact with animals.

• Do not touch birds, pigs, or other animals.
  • Do not touch animals whether they are alive or dead.
  • Avoid live bird or poultry markets.
  • Avoid other markets or farms with animals (wet markets).

• Eat food that is fully cooked.
  • Eat meat and poultry that is fully cooked (not pink) and served hot.
  • Eat hard-cooked eggs (not runny).
  • Don’t eat or drink dishes that include blood from any animal.
  • Don’t eat food from street vendors.

• Practice hygiene and cleanliness:
  • Wash your hands often.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean your hands with hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid close contact, such as kissing, hugging or sharing eating utensils or cups, with people who are sick.
• http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/avian-flu-h7n9-china.htm