Warden Messages

Avian Influenza

Date: March 16, 2006

This Warden Message is to inform American citizens that there is an unconfirmed outbreak of avian influenza in birds in Mandalay Division.

On March 13, the Burmese Government advised WHO and FAO officials of a suspected case of avian influenza in a poultry farm near the city of Mandalay. While media reports cited several outbreaks in Burma, current testing is focused on suspected cases at one poultry farm in Mandalay Division. No human infections have been reported. Though poultry samples examined by a laboratory in Rangoon tested positive for H5N1, the WHO and FAO are awaiting results of further laboratory tests to confirm whether the chickens were infected with the H5N1 strain of the virus, commonly called Avian Influenza, or Bird Flu. The Embassy is working closely with WHO, FAO and other organizations to monitor events and to share information with all concerned.

We remind all American citizens of previous recommendations issued by the WHO and 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 thorough cooking and decontamination of cutting boards and kitchen utensils. Well-cooked eggs and poultry products (at temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius, which kill the virus) are safe to consume. You should also be cautious with consuming some salad dressings and sauces which contain raw egg products.

For further information about avian influenza, including suggested precautions, visit the State Department’s website at:

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1181.html

This site includes links to World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Avian Influenza updates. The embassy encourages all Americans in Burma to monitor these websites.

U.S. citizens may also contact the Consular Section at 581 Merchant Street, Rangoon; tel. (95-1) 250-240; fax (95-1) 250-642; email consularrangoo@state.gov, for further information.