H10N3 avian influenza in Jiangsu Province, China

The National Health Commission in China (link translated from Chinese) has reported a case of H10N3 avian influenza A (bird flu) in Jiangsu Province. This is the first time this virus has been seen in a human. The patient, from Zhenjiang, became unwell on 23 April 2021 but their condition is not considered serious. H10N3 does not cause serious illness in birds and is not readily transmitted to, or between, people.

Advice for Travellers 

Avian influenza (bird flu) is an influenza virus that spreads among birds. Rarely, the virus can spread to people who have had close contact with infected birds.

Travellers to countries where avian influenza has caused human disease should be aware of the potential risk of infection, particularly those visiting friends and relatives.

These travellers should be advised to avoid contact with:

• live poultry (chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, quail) or any wild birds
• surfaces that may be contaminated with poultry/bird droppings
• commercial poultry farms, backyard poultry farms and live poultry markets
• sick or dead poultry and birds

The virus is killed by thorough cooking of poultry, including eggs. Travellers should:

• Avoid eating raw or undercooked poultry or poultry products, including food containing poultry blood.
• Avoid bringing poultry or poultry products back into the UK.

Care should be taken when handling raw or undercooked poultry products. Travellers should be advised to:

• Maintain strict hand hygiene; particularly when preparing food, and before meals.
• Practise good respiratory hygiene and avoid close contact with people who appear unwell.
• Seek medical advice if respiratory/influenza-like symptoms develop during or after returning from countries where avian influenza has been reported.

See the TRAVAX Avian Influenza page and fitfortravel Avian Influenza advice for travellers page for further information.