Kathmandu, February 10:

World Health Organisation (WHO) today expressed concerned over the confirmation of H5N1 in African Poultry and demanded immediate action throughout the world. “The latest outbreak in Nigeria confirms that no country is immune to H5N1. Every country is at risk. Every country must prepare,” stated a press statement issued here today by the WHO.

It also stated that there is a risk that outbreaks of H5N1 infection in birds could spread within Nigeria and into neighbouring countries. Nigeria is one of several African countries located on

the Black Sea-Mediterranean flyway used by migratory birds.

The WHO called for high alert on human and animal health services in the world, sharing information and quickly reporting any signs of disease in birds or humans that could be due to H5N1 avian influenza.

The single most important public health priority at this stage is to warn people about the dangers of close contact with sick or dead birds infected with H5N1. The vast majority of all human cases and deaths from H5N1 have occurred in previously healthy children and young adults.

Experience in Asian countries and most recently in Turkey underscores the fact that immediate, clear public information is critical to help protect human health, the statement said. Slaughtering, defeathering or butchering infected, sick or dead birds can put people at risk. The home slaughter and consumption of birds, which appear to be sick, is a high-risk behaviour.

Ideally, people culling and disposing of birds should have protective equipment.

Human cases of H5N1 may be difficult to distinguish from other illnesses. Health workers must be fully alert and samples must be taken and sent to laboratories.

When human cases of H5N1 are identified, coordinated human and animal health investigations will be essential.

“If the H5N1 virus changes to allow it to pass easily from person to person, and it goes unchecked, this could trigger an influenza pandemic,” stated the press release. H5N1 is spreading rapidly. All countries must take measures to protect human health against avian flu, and prepare for a pandemic.