7 July 2004: Suspected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), South-East Asia

Suspected cases of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been reported since mid-May amongst poultry in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam.

Indonesia, Thailand and China have also reported cases of HPAI amongst poultry in limited geographic regions over the last few weeks. H5N1 infection has been confirmed by laboratory testing in Indonesia and China and control efforts are being employed.

The H5N1 influenza virus was responsible for widespread outbreaks of influenza in poultry in South-East Asia and China earlier in 2004, which resulted in 23 human deaths in Vietnam and Thailand.

There are no travel restrictions for persons travelling to Viet Nam or other affected countries. However, previously recommended advice should continue to be exercised by those who are travelling to these regions:

• Avoid visiting live animal markets and poultry farms
• Avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with animal faeces
• Do not attempt to bring any live poultry products back to the UK