Public Health England
The Chinese New Year takes place on Monday 8 February this year - 2016 is the Chinese Year of the Monkey. The celebrations traditionally run from New Years Eve to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the New Year.
Human cases of avian influenza are being reported in China and, at this time of year, a further increase is expected. Public Health England (PHE) and the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) are reminding UK travellers of the risk of avian flu in China and the appropriate ways to protect themselves, including steps to minimise exposure to live poultry.
The majority of reported human cases in China, have had close contact with birds and have originated from several provinces and municipalities across mainland China and Taiwan. There have also been small numbers of cases among Hong Kong SAR residents who have travelled to mainland China.
Dr Dipti Patel, Director at NaTHNaC said:
Although the risk to UK residents travelling to the affected areas remains very low, anyone planning to visit China, Hong Kong SAR or Taiwan should minimise their exposure to birds. We also strongly recommend you see your GP, pharmacist or travel health clinic to check you are in date with any recommended vaccinations, receive appropriate malaria advice and discuss any other potential risks.
Dr Gavin Dabrera, PHEs avian flu expert explained:
The main route of transmission is by close contact with poultry or other birds that are infected with avian flu. We strongly urge people visiting China to minimise their exposure to live poultry, avoid visiting live bird and animal markets (including wet markets) and poultry farms, and maintain good hand and personal hygiene. If travellers experience flu like illness within 10 days of returning from China, it is important to mention their recent travel when contacting their GP.
PHE has produced clinical guidance for health professionals in England on the assessment and investigation of patients with severe flu-like illness who have recently returned from China. While the risk to the UK from avian flu such as A(H7N9) is currently seen as being very low, it still remains important for travellers to take steps to minimise their risks and also report their travel to their GP if they do experience flu-like illness on returning to the UK.
The UK is amongst the best prepared countries in the world when dealing with new threats such as avian influenza. PHE has arrangements in place for the detection and investigation of suspected cases and the management of confirmed cases and their contacts.
Travellers can check NaTHNaC s TravelHealthPro website for current vaccine and antimalarial recommendations for: