AVIAN INFLUENZA UPDATE..

Japan has culled 37,000 chicken after a 3rd outbreak.Taiwan culls 120,000 birds after detection of H5N2,according to focus Taiwan today. The report suggests that the outbreak on the farm started started in December with sporadic cases confirming avian influenza.The head of agric dept(YAO CHIH-WAY) said his department have put a ban on the movement of chickens and begun to disinfect the farms and will continue monitoring, some wild birds have also died suddenly. In Zhaoqing,following the human cases; control and surveillance measures have been put in action and citizen notified of necessary prevention protocols. The center for health protection of the department of health as @7/jan/15 has been notified of the human cases and they have taken the following steps; The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (January 7) closely monitoring an additional human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Zhaoqing notified by the Health and Family Planning Commission of Guangdong Province (GDHFPC), and again urged the public to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene both locally and during travel. According to the GDHFPC, the male patient, aged 56 with underlying illnesses, was hospitalized for management in critical condition. "Locally, we will remain vigilant and work closely with the World Health Organization and relevant health authorities to monitor the latest developments," a spokesman for the DH said. All boundary control points have implemented health surveillance measures. Thermal imaging systems are in place for body temperature checks on inbound travelers. Suspected cases will be immediately referred to public hospitals for follow-up. The DH's Port Health Office has enhanced body temperature checks by handheld devices. Regarding health education for travelers, the display of posters and broadcasting of health messages in departure and arrival halls, environmental health inspection and provision of regular updates to the travel industry and other stakeholders will be enhanced. Travelers, especially those returning from avian influenza-affected areas with fever or respiratory symptoms, should immediately wear masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors. Health-care professionals should pay special attention to patients who might have had contact with poultry, birds or their droppings in affected areas. The public should remain vigilant and take heed of the advice against avian influenza below: * Do not visit live poultry markets and farms. Avoid contact with poultry, birds and their droppings; * If contact has been made, thoroughly wash hands with soap; * Avoid entering areas where poultry may be slaughtered and contact with surfaces which might be contaminated by droppings of poultry or other animals; * Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating; * Wash hands frequently with soap, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, handling food or eating; after going to the toilet or touching public installations or equipment (including escalator handrails, elevator control panels and door knobs); and when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing; * Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with a tissue and put it into a covered dustbin; * Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients; and * Wear masks when respiratory symptoms develop or when taking care of fever patients.