Avian influenza H5N6 (bird flu) in China

The Hong Kong Department of Health reports there have been 21 cases of H5N6 bird flu in China in 2021. The 2 most recent cases were reported in Guangxi and Chongqing on 30 September 2021. Other areas reporting cases this year are Guangdong Province, Hunan Province, Sichuan Province, Anhui Province and Guizhou Province.

H5N6 can cause severe illness and death, but is not easily spread among 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
• 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.