Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004
68 Mr. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the contacts she has had with her Asian counterparts with regard to a new outbreak of Avian influenza; the dangers posed by this outbreak to Irish nationals travelling in Asia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25234/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Disease Surveillance Centre, NDSC, plays a key role in relation to the prevention and management of infectious diseases in this country.
The Irish approach to infectious diseases outbreaks is based on sound internationally accepted principles such as preventative measures; early identification of cases; effective clinical care including good hospital infection control; appropriate surveillance; and, contact tracing and management of contacts. The procedures for dealing with infectious diseases are based on these principles.
The NDSC monitors the avian influenza situation in Asia on an ongoing basis through the World Health Organisation, WHO.
In line with advice from WHO, it is recommended that Irish travellers to areas experiencing outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza infection should avoid contact with live animal markets and poultry farms. In addition, there are no restrictions on travel to any country currently experiencing outbreaks of H5N1 avian infection in poultry flocks, including countries, which have also reported cases in humans. This is also in line with WHO travel recommendations.
In addition, the following actions have been undertaken: interim Irish guidelines on the investigation and management of suspected human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, Influenza A-H5, have been circulated to all health care professionals and are also posted on the NDSC website; guidance in the form of a SARS and avian influenza clinical management algorithm has been circulated to hospitals and clinicians on the appropriate management of travellers with an influenza-like illness who have returned from east or Southeast Asia, that is, areas where avian influenza outbreaks are occurring. This will assist in early detection of any influenza A/H5 cases
