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Facts and Updates
Avian or bird flu is on many people’s minds now.
Sensationalized stories of what could happen if bird flu becomes a pandemic
(worldwide) human flu continue to be played on TV and in other media. As the
Executive Medical Director at Leon County Health Department, I want to give you
some facts.
Where did bird flu come from?
The current bird flu outbreaks began in Southeast Asia three
years ago. Bird flu has been slowly spreading across Asia and into Africa
and Europe as wild birds as migrate. The wild birds do not always get sick and die, but
they carry the disease to chickens and ducks which often do get sick and die.
In very rare cases, people who raise chickens or ducks also get the disease.
In three years there have only been about 200 people from 13 countries who have
gotten bird flu. The spread of bird flu virus from one ill person to
another has been reported very rarely.
Will it come here?
It will likely come to North America and perhaps eventually
to Florida over the next year as wild birds migrate into Canada and Alaska. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are watching and testing
migrating birds. If bird flu comes into the country, the CDC and the US Department of
Agriculture will try to prevent it from spreading to chickens and ducks.
What should I do if I find a dead bird?
It is not unusual to find one dead bird. No Florida birds
are infected with bird flu now, but they can carry other diseases. It is always
a good idea not to touch dead birds with your bare hands. But wearing gloves
or using a shovel or other garden tool, you can place them in a bag and put them
into the trash. If you see many dead birds in a small area, or if you are
concerned, you can report your finding to the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission at
www.myfwc.com/bird.
Is there a danger that bird flu will become a pandemic or
worldwide human flu?
There is no danger for now. But in the future, there is a
small chance that the bird flu virus may mutate (change) into a form that can be
carried from person to person. The new form could produce a mild or severe
disease in humans. There is no way to predict this.
Should I be worried?
For now, there is no reason to worry, but it is always good
to have a family plan for many kinds of disasters including storms, floods,
fires, terrorism, or widespread disease events. Maintaining a stockpile of food, water, first aid and medical supplies is a good idea.
Please click on the link
www.pandemicflu.gov/planguide/checklist.html for more information.
What else can I do?
If a human pandemic does happen, there will be
limited help available from federal and perhaps state agencies. Communities,
neighborhoods, faith groups, and families may have to help each other to
overcome the disease. Learn about how diseases, and particularly colds and flu,
are spread. Learn simple steps to protect yourself and others. Many simple,
common sense practices such as using a tissue when you sneeze or cough, washing
your hands frequently, and keeping a healthy life style will help. Learn how to
take care of loved ones at home and when to recognize that they need more urgent
medical care. Keep up with flu shots and pneumonia shots. Join volunteer
organizations and learn how to care for yourself and others in a disaster.
Learn more about county and city government and response agencies.
If you have more questions, these web sites may be helpful:
www.pandemicflu.gov,
www.cdc.gov,
www.doh.state.fl.us,
and
www.doacs.state.fl.us.
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