Bird Flu

The virus is a variation of the highly pathogenic influenza virus in birds. Water birds carry the disease while not getting sick. Those birds are the potential source of the spreading of the infection. The risk for human infection is caused by frequent handling of infected birds or poultry. So far the virus has not developed into a virus that is contagious from person to person.
Bangladesh has not reported any cases of Bird Flu, in surrounding countries cases have been reported.

What you can do

• Avoid contact with birds and poultry
• Do not go to markets where birds are traded
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling uncooked chicken meat
• Chicken meat should be well heated, also in restaurants
• Keep well informed
• Do not take any animal products (eggs, meat, cheese or milk products, hides and hunting trophies) on your travels through or returning from Bangladesh or the neighbouring countries.

The Netherlands embassy has received instructions from the Dutch Foreign Ministry concerning the Bird flu issue. These instructions are for global use and have been thoroughly discussed in a special task force that was set up for this problem.

The core of the statement in Dutch is the personal responsibility of all Dutch nationals. This information on Bird Flu is recently posted on our website, and flyers in Dutch will be available at the Dutch Club and the embassy.

The most up to date information on Bird Flu in English can be found on the website of the WHO: www.who.int