Clinical Services: Avian Flu Information

April 2006

Avian (type H5N1) influenza is currently spreading among birds across the world due to seasonal bird migration. It has been transmitted from migratory birds primarily to outdoor domestic chickens as well as a few other species. Approximately 200 humans have been infected: the vast majority through direct contact with sick chickens.  In humans, the illness is more severe than other types of influenza. Health Services is monitoring the spread and potential future impact of this virus, and is communicating with the Travel and Emergency Planning Offices. Employees who are interested in learning more are encouraged to investigate the following sites:

• Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control, Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
  
  
• World Health Organization, Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response, Avian Influenza
  This page contains frequent updates on new human cases and W.H.O. papers on responding to the threat.
  
  
• Occupational Health Disaster Expert Network, Pandemic Influenza Information Site for Workplace and Workforce Planning
  This page contains a wide variety of links for occupational health experts.  
  
  
• Pandemicflu.gov 
  One-stop access to U.S. Government avian and pandemic flu information. Managed by the Department of Health and Human Services.  This is the primary U.S. Government website on avian flu.

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