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As the global leader in cleaning and sanitation solutions, Ecolab is committed to taking a proactive role in protecting our customers from sanitation and health issues that can affect their business.
- A strain of infl uenza found in birds.
- First isolated in 1997 in Southeast Asia.
- Usually transmitted as a low pathogenic strain, spread by migratory fowl and live poultry.
- Transmitted primarily bird-to-bird.
- If allowed to circulate in fl ock, it can mutate to a highly pathogenic strain resulting in bird death within 48 hours.
- To date, human infections have been transmitted only from bird-to-human.
- Primarily contracted by people in close proximity to live or unplucked fowl and their feces.
- Number of confirmed human infections is low, but mortality rate is high.
- In humans, the H5N1 Avian Influenza strain causes sudden and severe respiratory disease with a high mortality rate (120 confirmed cases, mortality rate 51% since 2003 in Southeast Asia).
- Contact transmission
• Direct / Touching an infected human
• Indirect / Touching an object that an infected human touched
- Droplet transmission
• Large droplets generated by sneezing, coughing or talking
• Occurs over a distance of 0,90-1,20 m
- Airborne transmission
• Due to small droplet nuclei
• Occurs over many meters
Because of its high mortality rate and rapid spread through wild and domestic poultry, experts agree that the viral strain H5N1 has a high potential of mutating into the next pandemic virus.
- Avoid close contact
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Keep distance from others to protect you or them from getting sick.
- Stay home when you are sick
• With cold or fl u symptoms, stay home, get plenty of rest and check with a healthcare provider as needed.
- Clean your hands
• Washing your hands often will help protect you from acquiring and transmitting germs.
• When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or alcohol rubs (gels) may be used. Spirigel Alcohol Hand Gel is effective against Avian Flu, click here for further information.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with virus and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose
• Cover mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
- Follow proper hand washing procedures
• Click here to see our gel application technique guidelines.
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