I know it disappeared completely from the newspapers, but, heading for a short business-trip to Ho Chi-Minh City, the office has kindly updated me about almost forgotten Bird Flu.

Thanks!! This was the e-mail:

Current Advice for Travelers & Expatriates

Updated 19 July 2006

In May 2006 the largest family cluster in North Sumatra, Indonesia was confirmed, with possibly two generations of human-to-human transmission. Despite this new development, the number of confirmed human cases remains limited. The vast majority of human infections have occurred in people working in or living near poultry farms and animal markets, or in those who have had close unprotected contact with sick family members.The virus has also been detected in pigs, cats and dogs. It is unknown whether avian influenza infection A/H5N1 in species other than birds plays any role in transmission to humans.

There appears to be little risk for travelers and expatriates at this time. Most or all humans infected have been in close contact with sick birds, or had unprotected contact with an infected family member.
Travel can proceed, however it is important to remember in affected countries:

Avoid live animal markets and poultry and pig farms.
Do not handle sick or dead birds.
Avoid and do not handle any sick animals, including cats.
Avoid touching any surfaces that may be contaminated by poultry droppings, and do not swim in any body of water that is used by birds.
Always maintain high levels of personal hygiene. Frequent handwashing is very important. Wash hands before and after food preparation.
The virus has been detected in processed poultry (frozen duck meat). The influenza virus is destroyed by heat. Poultry and poultry products that will be consumed, including eggs, must be thoroughly cooked. The inner temperature of meat must reach 70°C/158° F. NEVER consume raw poultry products, such as raw duck blood. Also thoroughly cook any pork products before consuming.
Consider having a seasonal influenza vaccination. Although this will not protect you against avian flu, it reduces the risk of seasonal influenza. Thus it reduces the chance of becoming co-infected with both seasonal and avian influenza; such co-infection could result in a pandemic strain of flu.

If you travel to - or live in - an area affected by avian flu, be aware of your health. Monitor any symptoms that may occur while there and for 10 days after leaving. If you develop a fever, cough, sore throat, breathing difficulty or any severe, unexplained illness within 10 days of your trip, seek medical attention. Call the health care facility before you go. Tell the staff on the phone where you have traveled, your symptoms and any possible exposures to bird flu.

Have a pleasant trip!!

Ma vaff....!

Hoping to see You again...

BR/zespri