Warden message on avian flu in togo

Key Facts about Avian Influenza and Strategies to Prevent Getting Infected:

The following memo contains information related to Avian Influenza, also sometimes referred to as AI or bird flu (AI). Please read this carefully.  No human cases of avian influenza contracted from poultry or egg consumption have been reported in Togo. However, in light of the recent cases of avian influenza discovered in poultry near to Lome, it is appropriate to send this reminder.

Information on Avian Influenza:

Avian influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses.  There are many different subtypes of avian influenza viruses that occur naturally among birds.  Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them.  However, bird flu is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them.

Bird flu viruses do not usually infect humans.  One specific subtype of avian influenza, Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus (or H5N1 virus) also occurs mainly in birds and does not usually infect people, but several cases of human infection with H5N1 viruses have occurred since 1997.

Symptoms of bird flu in humans have ranged from typical flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases (such as acute respiratory distress), and other severe and life-threatening complications.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following:

SIX KEYS TO SAFER FOOD

1.  Separate raw meat from cooked or ready to eat foods and do not use the same chopping board or knife.
2.  Do not handle both raw and cooked foods without washing your hands in between.
3.  Do not use raw egg or soft-boiled eggs in food preparations that will not be heat treated or cooked.
4.  Keep clean with soap and water.  Wash your hands after handling frozen, thawed, or raw chicken or eggs. Thoroughly wash surfaces and utensils that have been in contact with raw meat.
5.  Cook all poultry thoroughly--this will inactivate viruses.  Ensure that cooked meat is not PINK.
6.  Do not eat runny or liquid egg yolks.

FOUR SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY

1. COVER YOUR COUGH AND SNEEZE
     -Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.
     -Put your tissue in the trash can.
     -If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
2. WASH YOUR HANDS
     -Wash hands with warm soapy water for at least 15-20 seconds or use hand sanitizer after:
          A) Coughing or sneezing
          B) Caring for a sick person
          C) Using the bathroom
          D) Handling garbage
3. KEEP LIVING AND WORKING AREAS CLEAN
     -Clean areas with household detergent (dish washing liquid, laundry detergent, and liquid soap, among others).
     -Sanitize surfaces with bleach or alcohol.
4. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
     -Avoid crowds.
     -Limit your travel, especially to areas that have been identified with AI outbreaks.
     -Travel to and from work during off peak hours if possible.

If you have had recent close exposure to live poultry in an area that is experiencing avian influenza and develop the following symptoms, you should promptly contact your healthcare provider.

1. Difficulty in breathing, rapid and painful breathing
2. Blue-ish skin
3. Dizziness or fainting
4. Fever or cough, or return of such symptoms after they have improved
5. Dehydration
6. Cough with yellow mucus or saliva
7. Confusion
8. Vomiting or diarrhea
9. Worsening of a pre-existing medical condition

 Embassy contact information:

Consular Section: 
Tel:  261-5470  extension X 4438
(after hours emergencies please dial 261-5470 extension 0)
Email: ConsularLome@State.gov