Protect yourself from avian flu

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chad Strohmeyer
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Recently, outbreaks of the avian flu virus have been detected in three dead swans near Lake Towada in the Akita Prefecture. Although the virus may be affecting the bird population, there is no need to stress, explained Maj. Mahendra Kabbur, 35th Aerospace Medicine Squadron. 

"Based on the previously published bird flu information, the majority of the cases reported around the world involve people working directly with birds like in chicken farms etc," he said. 

Hence, risk to Misawa Air Base population is low to none. Additionally, human to human spread is not well established. Although chances of catching bird flu are extremely low, there are precautionary measures people can take to help minimize any risks. 
- Avoid traveling to a wild bird sanctuary.
- Avoid feeding the wild birds at local lakes.
- Completely avoid contact with any type of sick or dead birds.
- Avoid touching surfaces contaminated with bird feces or secretions.
- Don't eat wild birds.
- Don't eat poultry that is nor fully cooked.
- Wash hands before and after handling raw poultry.

This has been the first outbreak in Japan since March 2007, when the virus was found in an endangered eagle in the village of Sagara, Kumamoto Prefecture. 

Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them, according to Major Kabbur. However, avian influenza is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them. 

For additional information please contact Misawa Public Health office at 226-6478