Human Case of Avian Influenza in Indonesia

24 Jan 2017

On 22 January 2016 a ProMedMail report advised that a 10 year old boy, resident in Sukarame district, Bandar Lampung city, Lampung province, tested positive for avian influenza and is in intensive care at the Dr H Abdul Moeloek general hospital in Lampung.

Avian influenza viruses are endemic in Indonesia, however, no human cases were reported during 2016. Indonesia is among the countries that have reported the highest number of human cases of avian influenza to the World Health Organisation since 2003.

Advice for Travellers

During Travel

• Avoid contact with poultry (chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, quail) or any wild birds and the settings where they are present e.g. commercial poultry farms, backyard poultry farms and live poultry markets. Also avoid contact with sick or dead poultry and birds. Avoid contact with surfaces that may be contaminated with poultry droppings.
• One of the most important ways of preventing the spread of infection is careful and frequent hand washing.  If soap, clean water and towels are not available, alcohol hand rub can be used.
• Do not eat uncooked or undercooked poultry or poultry products including food with uncooked poultry blood. All poultry, including eggs must be thoroughly cooked.
• If unwell with a fever (temperature of 38°C or more), cough, difficulty with breathing, headache, sore throat, sore eyes or muscle aches, promptly seek out medical attention. The British Embassy can assist with contacting medical aid and relatives. Postpone any further travel until well again.
• Do not attempt to live bring poultry or poultry products back into the country.

On Returning Home

• To date, no UK traveller has been infected.  The risk of infection is increased by prolonged, close and heavy exposure to the virus.
• Pay attention to health on return home, particularly over the first 7-10 days.
• If symptoms develop such as those mentioned above or any other flu-like or respiratory illness during this period, individuals should be advised to seek immediate medical attention. Contact  the General Practitioner or NHS111 (England) Tel: NHS111 or NHS 24 (Scotland) Tel: 08454 24 24 24.
• Before visiting a health-care setting (e.g. health centre or hospital), describe the symptoms and tell the provider that there might have been exposure to avian influenza, giving details of recent travel history.
• Do not travel whilst unwell and limit contact with others as much as possible to prevent the spread of any infectious illness until assessed by a Doctor.
• Follow good hygiene practices: cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, use tissues only once, disposing of them promptly and carefully, wash hands frequently.