Following widespread recent press coverage about influenza A/H5N1 ("bird flu"), Blossoms thought it may be helpful to provide some further guidance and information to assist your teams.

Although headlines such as 'bird flu returns with mutant strain' are concerning, there is currently no cause for alarm, no risk to public health in the UK and no reason for undue concern amongst those travelling or working in affected regions.

A/H5N1 'bird flu' has been closely monitored by the World Health Organisation (WHO) since it was first identified in Hong Kong in 1997.  Since its widespread emergency in 2003, highly effective surveillance protocols have been in place to minimise risks to human health.

The WHO has published a detailed information guide about A/H5N1 and remains the most accurate source of health information regarding risks to world health, particularly pandemic influenza risks.

Although the virus is highly pathogenic, the majority of human cases of H5N1 infection have associated with direct or indirect contact with infected live or dead poultry and there is currently no evidence of recent human-to-human transmission.

Cambodia and China have both reported increased cases of A/H5N1 infection, however, it is important to reflect that similar patterns (with higher numbers of presenting cases) were documented in Vietnam in 2005 and Indonesia in 2006.

Widespread reporting of possible resistance to current vaccinations is concerning, however, it is highly likely that any new strain of influenza virus will initially be resistant to vaccines, which take some months to produce.  All influenza vaccines are re-made each season to protect against the constantly changing make up of the virus.

It is also important to note that the current media coverage, stemming from a press release by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation, reflects risks to human health based upon viral changes observed amongst poultry.  In the absence of human-to-human transmission, the risk level to human health remains unchanged.

A/H5N1 does remain a significant health risk and pandemic preparedness should form a key part of any business continuity strategy, particularly for those travelling or working in high risk regions.  However, the primary risk factor for human infection with A/H5N1 is direct exposure to infected live or dead poultry in high risk countries.  There is no evidence to suggest that the H5N1 virus can be transmitted to humans through properly prepared poultry or eggs.

Appropriate and up-to-date travel health advice for anyone travelling to or working in high risk areas remains the most effective current health risk management activity.

Blossoms will continue to monitor health risks for your business and will provide further appropriate advice and guidance should the situation change, particularly if human-to-human transmission is reported.

Please do not hesitate to contact our team if you would like any further advice regarding A/H5N1 or if there is any assistance we can provide.