Avian Influenza

Avian Influenza Outbreak -- February 25-27, 2007

This Warden Message is to inform American citizens that the Burmese Government has reported that there was an avian influenza outbreak among poultry at one isolated farm in Myat Wit Yi in Mayangone Township on the northwestern outskirts of Rangoon. The report states that 68 chickens died between February 25 and February 27. The farm’s remaining birds were destroyed on February 28. The farm was disinfected on February 28 and March 1. There is no indication that the outbreak has spread beyond the farm, and no human infections have been reported. Burmese authorities have also stated they are observing the conditions of humans and animals within a one-kilometer radius of the outbreak. The Embassy is working closely with Burmese authorities and locally-based international health organizations to monitor events and will share information with the American Community as it becomes available.

We remind all American citizens of previous recommendations issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  You should avoid contact with live poultry and wild birds, and avoid visiting commercial or backyard poultry farms and live poultry markets.  You can also minimize risk by practicing safe handling procedures for all poultry products, including thoroughly cooking food and decontaminating cutting boards and kitchen utensils.  Well-cooked eggs and poultry products are safe to consume (temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius kill the virus).  You should also be cautious about consuming salad dressings and sauces that contain raw egg products.

Current information about avian influenza A (H5N1) and pandemic influenza can be found at:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/qa.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/travel
http://www.who.int
http://www.pandemicflu.gov

For additional information on avian influenza as it affects American citizens residing abroad, see the U.S. Department of State’s Avian Influenza Fact Sheet

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s internet website where the current Travel Warnings, Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement and Consular Information Sheets can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S.and Canada or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available (from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday except U.S. federal holidays.

The Embassy encourages Americans in Burma, including short-term visitors, to register with the U. S Embassy in Burma through the State Department’s travel registration website and obtain updated information on travel and security within Burma. Registration may be done on-line at http://rangoon.usembassy.gov. The Embassy is located at 581 Merchant Street, Rangoon. The Consular section telephone number is (95-1) 250-240, fax (95-1) 250-642, email consularrangoo@state.gov, website http://rangoon.usembassy.gov. The after-hours emergency number is (95-1) 370-965. The Embassy is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays and Burmese holidays).