Guidelines from the Ministry of Health on Avian Influenza: "The risk of emerging strains with pandemic potential is real"

The Greek Ministry of Health issued a circular today regarding avian influenza, emphasizing the potential emergence of virus strains with pandemic potential.

Key Points from the Guidelines
Health authorities are urged to stay well-informed and prepared to respond swiftly if the disease appears in birds, animals, or humans. Timely detection of cases and intervention measures are deemed crucial to preventing the virus's transmission to the population.

The A(H5N1) subtype remains the dominant strain in Europe and globally in recent years. The circular clarifies that all references to influenza A(H5N1) also encompass any other type A influenza strain that can infect humans originating from birds or animals.

Response Measures for Confirmed Cases
If a confirmed case of avian influenza A(H5N1) is detected in birds, animals, or humans, health authorities are required to:

Identify and monitor exposed individuals ("contacts").
Conduct epidemiological investigations of transmission routes.
Monitor individuals with no known history of exposure.
"Contacts" include individuals exposed to infected birds, animals, or humans, particularly those who:

Had direct or close contact (within one meter) with infected birds or animals, living or dead.
Participated in cleaning or disinfecting areas housing infected animals.
Visited or stayed in premises where infected birds or animals were found.
Understanding Avian Influenza
Avian influenza is a viral infection primarily transmitted among birds but can also infect humans, especially those in direct or prolonged contact with affected animals.

Infectious Period and Virus Viability
The virus's infectious period extends from 10 days before symptom onset to one week after fever resolution and significant symptom improvement. The virus is generally considered non-transmissible after:

Fever subsides, symptoms significantly improve, and
Two consecutive negative molecular tests (at least 24 hours apart).
While the virus is most likely transmissible during symptomatic periods, limited data suggest it might also shed during the 10-day incubation period.

On surfaces or objects, the virus's viability decreases over time and is generally considered viable for up to 24–48 hours.

Conclusion
The Ministry underscores the importance of vigilance and swift action in case of outbreaks to mitigate the potential spread of avian influenza to humans.