Archive for the ‘Australia’ Category
July 24th, 2008
Arn
- Avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and only rarely causes infections in humans and other mammals.
- Human cases of avian influenza continue to occur in a number of countries as a result of exposure to infected birds, usually domestic poultry. There is currently no evidence of efficient spread of avian influenza from person to person.
- Australian travellers, long-term residents and businesses overseas should inform themselves about the risks of avian influenza, be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and put appropriate contingency plans in place.
- Australians who live in an avian influenza affected area for an extended period should consider, as a precautionary measure, having access to influenza antiviral medicine.
- Australians intending to travel to affected countries for shorter periods are at much lower risk of infection, but should discuss the risk of avian influenza with their doctor as part of their routine pre-travel health checks.
- If you are visiting or living in a country affected by avian influenza, you should follow sensible precautions to reduce infection risk.
- If the threat of sustained human-to-human transmission appears serious, we will advise Australians in affected countries to consider leaving. If they don’t leave when first advised to do so, they may be prevented from leaving later.
- Australians should ensure that their travel documents are up-to-date in case they need to depart an affected country at short notice.
- If a widespread outbreak occurs, the delivery of consular assistance to Australians could be severely constrained. Australian missions and offices overseas will not be in a position to provide influenza antiviral medicines to Australians in affected areas. Australian travellers, long-term residents and businesses are responsible for securing their own supply of influenza antiviral medicine, if required.
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