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FactSheet
Avian Flu
Avian influenza (AI) viruses infect wild birds and poultry (e.g., chickens). They are
divided into two groups based upon the severity of the disease they produce in
poultry: low pathogenicity AI (LPAI) viruses and highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) viruses.
LPAI viruses occur naturally in wild birds but can spread to poultry where they
generally cause minor illness. However, HPAI viruses are highly contagious and
cause high mortality in poultry. While LPAI viruses pose little threat to human
health, certain HPAI viruses have caused serious illness and even death. Of particular concern to public health are the HPAI H5N1 viruses that are spreading rapidly in
some parts of the world. HPAI H5N1 viruses have caused the deaths of millions of
birds and of over 140 people worldwide. These deaths have thus far been restricted to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. As of October 2006, the HPAI H5N1 virus
has not been found in the United States.
Although HPAI H5N1 viruses have the potential to
develop into pandemic viruses if they acquire the
ability to pass readily from human-to-human, thus
far, there has been only very limited transmission
between humans. This document provides interim guidance for protecting employees who may
be exposed if there is an outbreak of HPAI H5N1
in the United States. For the most up-to-date
information on the occurrence of HPAI H5N1 outbreaks throughout the world, as well as other
HPAI virus outbreaks that may also pose a hazard to human health, consult the Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS) web site at:
www.avianflu.gov.
Symptoms of Avian Influenza (AI)
in Humans
Range from: fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches; to diarrhea, eye infections, pneumonia and severe respiratory diseases; and other
severe and life-threatening complications.
The symptoms of avian influenza may depend on
which virus caused the infection but often are
similar to those associated with human seasonal
influenza.
Individuals with these symptoms may be experiencing an illness other than influenza. Therefore,
laboratory tests can be used to confirm avian
influenza infection in humans.
How People Become Infected
So far, most cases of avian influenza infection in
humans have resulted from direct contact with
infected poultry (e.g., domesticated chickens,
ducks, and turkeys) or contact with surfaces
soiled with discharges from their mouths, beaks,
or with feces. Other possible means of infection
include consuming raw or undercooked poultry
or poultry products and inhaling contaminated
poultry particles (e.g., this could occur during
butchering).
Eating properly handled and cooked poultry and
eggs is safe. Cooking poultry to an internal temo
perature of 165 F and eggs until they are firm
throughout kills the AI virus.
Employees at Potential Risk of Exposure
• Poultry employees involved in eradication activities (for example, depopulating poultry);
• Animal handlers (other than poultry employees);
• Laboratory employees;
• Health care workers treating patients with
known or suspected avian influenza viruses;
• Food handlers;
• Airport personnel with close exposure to passengers suspected of being avian influenzainfected; and
• Travelers on temporary work assignments
abroad in areas affected by HPAI H5N1 outbreaks.
Treatment
Prescription antiviral drugs approved for influenza
(based on seasonal outbreak data) may be of
some benefit in treating avian flu infection in
humans. However, influenza viruses can become
resistant to these drugs, so these medications
may not always work. For some of these drugs to
be most effective, they must be taken within 48
hours after the first sign of symptoms. Additional
drugs may be developed for influenza, and it is
not yet known whether they will be more effective.
General Precautions for People Who May Be
Exposed to Avian Flu Viruses
• Use proper hand hygiene practices. Clean your
hands often and thoroughly, preferably using
soap and water for 15-20 seconds (or a waterless, alcohol-based hand rub when soap is not
available), especially if you are handling poultry
or poultry products.
• If possible, avoid contact with poultry and other
birds suspected or known to be infected.
• Avoid eating uncooked or undercooked poultry
or poultry products.
• If you are sick, stay at home except to get medical attention.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or
sneeze.
Specific control measures should be selected as
appropriate to the particular exposure situation.
• If eradication (depopulating) of poultry is necessary, use the following personal protective
equipment (PPE):
◆ Disposable gloves or gloves that can be disinfected;
◆ Protective clothing (e.g., long-sleeved coveralls with waterproof aprons that can be disinfected or disposed of);
◆
◆
◆
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Disposable protective shoe covers or boots
that can be cleaned and disinfected;
Safety goggles;
Wear at least the minimum level of respiratory protection, N95 or higher respirator; and
Employees should follow proper containment
and decontamination procedures when wearing PPE.
• Employees should check with their health care
providers about seasonal flu vaccine or antiviral
drugs.
• If you believe that you may have been exposed
to avian influenza:
◆ Monitor your health for 10 days;
◆ If you become ill with fever and develop a
cough or difficulty breathing, consult a health
care provider about what steps to take; and
◆ Do not travel while sick, and limit contact with
others as much as possible to help prevent
the spread of any infectious disease.
Training
Employees with potential for exposure should
receive training on hazards associated with exposure to HPAI H5N1 and on the procedures in
place in their facility to isolate and report cases
and reduce exposures.
Additional Information
More information on avian influenza can be
found on OSHA’s website, www.osha.gov and
search on “avian flu.” For up-to-date information
about outbreaks of HPAI viruses and treatments
see: www.avianflu.gov.
This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or
standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of
compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal
Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request.
The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.
For more complete information:
U.S. Department of Labor
www.osha.gov
(800) 321-OSHA
DSG 10/2006
QUICK
CARD
TM
Protect Yourself
Avian Flu
General Precautions
Avian flu is a viral disease and it can be very contagious and
even deadly in poultry (e.g., chickens). Of great concern are
the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses
that have killed millions of birds and infected humans in other
countries. If these viruses are detected in the U.S. or if you
travel on work assignments or are employed in countries that
have HPAI H5N1 outbreaks, take appropriate precautions.
Avian Flu Symptoms in Humans
Range from fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches; to
diarrhea, eye infections, pneumonia and severe respiratory
diseases. The symptoms of avian influenza may depend on
which virus caused the infection but are often similar to
those associated with human seasonal influenza.
How Humans Are Infected
• Contact with sick poultry or surfaces soiled with discharges from their mouths or beaks, or with feces.
• Inhaling contaminated particles from poultry.
Treatment
Some prescription antiviral drugs may be effective.
General Precautions
• Wash hands thoroughly and frequently, for 15-20 seconds, preferably with soap and water.
• Avoid contact with possibly infected poultry.
• Avoid consuming uncooked or undercooked poultry or
poultry products.
Precautions When Exposed
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE):
◆ Disposable gloves or gloves that can be disinfected;
◆ Protective clothing (long-sleeved coveralls with a waterproof apron);
◆ Disposable shoe covers or those that can be disinfected;
◆ Safety goggles; and
◆ Wear at least the minimum level of respiratory protection, N95 or higher respirator.
• Employees should remove all PPE at work to avoid taking
contaminated items home.
Additional Guidance
• Get the seasonal flu vaccine.
• If you develop flu-like symptoms, stay at home except to
get medical attention.
Occupational
Safety and Health
Administration
U.S. Department of Labor
www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA
OSHA 3306-10-06
For more complete information:
DATOS
RÁPIDOS
Protéjase
La Gripe Aviar
Precauciones Generales
La gripe aviar, es una enfermedad viral y puede ser muy contagiosa y hasta causar la muerte en aves (ej., pollos). De gran preocupación son los virus altamente patogénicos de gripe aviar,
(HPAI) H5N1, los cuales han causado la muerte a millones de
aves y han infectado a humanos en otros países. Si estos virus
se encontraran en los Estados Unidos, o si usted viaja por
razones de trabajo o ha sido contratado en países que tienen
brotes de HPAI H5N1, tome las precauciones apropiadas.
Los Síntomas de la Gripe Aviar en Humanos
Varían desde: fiebre, tos, dolor de garganta y dolores musculares; a diarrea, infecciones oculares, neumonía, y enfermedades respiratorias serias; y otras complicaciones severas.
Los síntomas de la gripe aviar pueden variar según el virus que
haya causado la infección, pero son con frecuencia similares a
los que están asociados con la gripe de temporada en humanos.
Como se Infectan los Seres Humanos
• Con el contacto de aves de corral enfermas o con superficies
manchadas con descargos de su boca (aves de corral), nariz o
con excrementos.
• Inhalando partículas contaminadas de aves de corral.
Tratamiento
Algunas medicinas antivirales, pueden ser efectivas.
Precauciones Generales
• Lávese las manos completamente y con frecuencia, por 15 o
20 segundos, preferiblemente con jabón y agua.
• Evite el contacto con aves de corral, que hayan sido posiblemente infectadas.
• Evite consumir aves de corral o productos de aves de corral
sin cocinar, o que no estén bien cocidos.
Precauciones Cuando Este Expuesto
• Use un equipo de protección personal apropiado (PPE por
sus siglas en Inglés):
◆ Guantes desechables o guantes que puedan desinfectarse
◆ Ropa que lo proteja (ropa entera, de manga larga que le
cubra todo, con un delantal impermeabilizado);
◆ Cubiertas desechables para zapatos o que se puedan
desinfectar;
◆ Lentes de Seguridad; y
◆ Use por lo menos el nivel mínimo de protección respiratoria, respirador N95 o mayor.
• Los empleados deben de quitarse todo el equipo personal de
protección (PPE por sus siglas en Inglés), en su trabajo para
evitar que se lleven a casa, objetos contaminados.
Guía Adicional
• Póngase la vacuna contra la gripe de temporada.
• Si usted desarrolla síntomas parecidos a los de la gripe, permanezca en casa, excepto para recibir atención medica.
Administración de
Seguridad y Salud
Ocupacional
Departamento del Trabajo de EE.UU.
www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA