Avian Influenza in Africa: Statement by the Director-General of WHO

This press release issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) following the confirmation of the of H5N1 avian influenza (avian flu or bird flu) having been found in Nigeria states that this first reported incidence on the African continent is a cause for great concern.

It explains that that the "single most important public health priority at this stage is to warn people about the dangers of close contact with sick or dead birds infected with H5N1." The press release points to the experience in Asian countries and most recently in Turkey, as examples of the fact that immediate, clear public information is critical to help protect human health. WHO is offering support to the Government of Nigeria's national public information campaign. This campaign may include delivery of messages to communities during an already planned house-to-house polio immunisation campaign. The polio eradication infrastructure in Nigeria is also being mobilised to support other essential surveillance and protective measures, such as monitoring for human cases, support for "early warning systems", and logistic support for containment, treatment, and laboratory functions.

The press release also explains that outbreaks of H5N1 infection in birds could spread within Nigeria and into neighbouring countries. Nigeria is one of several African countries located on the Black Sea-Mediterranean flyway used by migratory birds. Human and animal health services must be on high alert, sharing information and quickly reporting any signs of disease in birds or humans that could be due to H5N1 avian influenza.