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Avian influenza (Bird Flu) Fact Sheet

What is Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)?


What is the current situation of the bird flu?

How is the virus spread in birds?

What are the signs and symptoms of birds

NOTE that ducks may have the virus without showing signs of sickness.

How is the virus spread to humans?

Who are the people most at risk?

Many families in Africa keep domestic chickens and other birds. Many people also buy live chickens from the market. Potentially, therefore, everyone is at risk. People must observe good hygiene practices like always washing hands with soap and water after touching birds.

What are the signs and symptoms of bird flu in humans?

Fever, cough, sore throat and muscle pains are common symptoms of other infections, so confirmation must be sought from the local health facility.

How should poultry be protect during outbreaks?

What should be done with a sick of dead bird?

How should people protect themselves during outbreaks?

Should people stop eating poultry?

No, but avoid eating sick or dead birds. Always observe the following:

Note that the bird flu virus is not killed by freezing or refrigeration.

Is there any treatment for bird flu?

Are there any vaccines for humans?

Why is it important to contain the bird flu?

Adapted from the World Health Organization website ( www.who.int )

 



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