Health Canada is closely monitoring reports of avian influenza A (H5N1) or "bird flu" outbreaks in poultry in Japan, South Korea and Vietnam, as well as human cases of avian influenza in Vietnam.

To date, five human, laboratory-confirmed cases of avian influenza have been reported in Vietnam. All five confirmed cases are deceased. The most recently reported case was found in an 8-year old girl, making it the third child affected by the virus. Vietnam is the only country where human cases have been reported.

As a precaution, and until further information is available, Health Canada advises that travellers to Vietnam, South Korea and Japan should not consume undercooked poultry, raw eggs or lightly cooked egg products (such as runny eggs), and avoid unnecessary contact with live poultry. This includes markets where live birds are sold, as it is possible for the
avian influenza virus to stick to hair and clothing and may be inhaled.

Travellers are further advised to maintain high standards of hygiene, including thorough hand washing, particularly after having contacted eggs or undercooked poultry and egg products.

For further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) or "bird flu" consult Health Canada's Travel Medicine Web site.

Published by the Consular Affairs Bureau of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.