Talking Points: H7N9 Flu (Updated February, 1, 2017)

Talking Points – H7N9 Avian Flu

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The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing H7N9 avian flu and travel to China. (Updated February 1, 2017)

1. The CDC hasn’t implemented any travel restrictions to China due to confirmed cases avian influenza A (H7N9). However, due to its “Level 1 – Watch,” the CDC recommends that travelers avoid contact with poultry, birds and their droppings.

2. There are basic precautions travelers can follow to limit their possible exposure while traveling in China.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each talking point.

1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hasn’t implemented any travel restrictions to China due to confirmed cases of avian influenza A (H7N9). However, due to its “Level 1 – Watch,” the CDC recommends that travelers avoid contact with poultry, birds and their droppings.

 The CDC has issued a “Level 1 – Watch” for China due to reported and confirmed cases of avian influenza A (H7N9). Most of these infections have been associated with contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments (such as poultry markets) in China.

o According to the CDC, “Chinese health authorities have confirmed 120 new human cases of avian influenza A (H7N9) to the World Health Organization since September 2016.” Nearly all cases have involved people living or traveling to mainland China.

 The New York Times reports that “the World Health Organization has warned all countries to watch for outbreaks in poultry flocks and to promptly report any human cases. Several strains of avian flu are spreading in Europe and Asia this winter, but the most worrisome at present is an H7N9 strain that has circulated in China every winter since 2013.”

o “China has reported over 225 human cases since September, an unusually high number. The nation’s Lunar New Year vacation starts soon, and as it does, live poultry shipments increase, and holiday travelers often spread the flu.”

o “Hong Kong’s health department this week warned residents traveling to mainland China to avoid live poultry markets. More than 9 percent of samples from markets in nearby Guangdong Province contained H7N9 virus, a “substantial” reading, the department said.”

 According to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, “The activity of avian influenza A (H7N9) has been increasing markedly since the end of 2016. The Mainland health authorities reported six and 106 human H7N9 cases in November and December 2016 respectively. In the first half of January 2017, 111 cases were detected. The situation this winter has been progressing much faster than the situation last winter.”

 Influenza A is also sometimes referred to as “Avian flu” or “bird flu.”

 

o Early symptoms are consistent with seasonal flu and may include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and fatigue, loss of appetite, and runny or stuffy nose.

o Influenza A (H7N9) was first detected in humans in early 2013.

o “Influenza A (H7N9) is one of a subgroup of influenza viruses that normally circulate among birds,” according to the WHO.

 On December 23, 2016, the first fatalities of the winter flu season occurred when two people in Anhui province (China) died.

o According to CNBC, “Anhui has reported five cases of H7N9 avian flu since Dec. 8, including the two people who died, the eastern province’s health authority said in a statement dated Dec. 21, posted on its website.”

o Hong Kong and Macau have also reported non-fatal cases of H7N9 influenza. In Macau’s case, this represents the first human H7N9 illness diagnosed in its area.

2. There are basic precautions travelers can follow to limit their possible exposure while traveling in China.

 Because the source of H7N9 is unknown, and there is no vaccine to prevent the virus, travelers in China should follow basic hygiene and food safety practices and avoid contact with animals. The CDC recommends:

o Do not touch birds, pigs, or other animals.

 Do not touch animals whether they are alive or dead.

 Avoid live bird or poultry markets.

 Avoid other markets or farms with animals.

o Eat food that is fully cooked.

 Eat meat and poultry that is fully cooked (not pink) and served hot.

 Eat hard-cooked eggs (not runny).

 Don’t eat or drink dishes that include blood from any animal.

 Don’t eat food from street vendors.

o Wash your hands often. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

o Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. Also, try to avoid close contact (kissing, hugging, sharing eating utensils or cups) with people who are sick.

o See a doctor if you become sick during or after travel to China, particularly right away if you experience a fever, coughing, or shortness of breath.

o If you get sick while in China, visit the U.S. Department of State website to find a list of local doctors and hospitals. Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).

o If you get sick with fever, coughing, or shortness of breath after you return to the United States, be sure to tell your doctor about your recent travel to China.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

 We would not send our clients to a particular destination if we believe it to be unsafe. Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there and provide detailed information on the situation so they can make informed decisions for themselves if they still wish to travel.

 

 We strongly encourage all of our clients, whether they are traveling domestically or internationally, to purchase travel insurance, particularly right at the same time as travel has been booked. Travel insurance offers an additional layer of protection for travelers and can potentially help save a traveler hundreds or thousands of dollars if a medical or travel emergency occurs.

 We are advocates for our clients; and they know that by working with a true travel professional, we are there for them before, during, and after their trip should they need us – which gives them peace of mind.

 By working with a trusted travel professional, we can provide providing alternative travel arrangements should the need arise.

 Our business is founded on repeat customers. Therefore, we want to be sure everything goes off without a hitch.