How People Become Infected

So far, most cases of avian influenza infection in

humans have resulted from direct contact with

infected poultry (e.g., domesticated chickens,

ducks, and turkeys) or contact with surfaces

soiled with discharges from their mouths, beaks,

or with feces. Other possible means of infection

include consuming raw or undercooked poultry

or poultry products and inhaling contaminated

poultry particles (e.g., this could occur during

butchering).

Eating properly handled and cooked poultry and

eggs is safe. Cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165o

F and eggs until they are firm

throughout kills the AI virus.

Employees at Potential Risk of Exposure

• Poultry employees involved in eradication activities (for example, depopulating poultry);

• Animal handlers (other than poultry employees);

• Laboratory employees;

• Health care workers treating patients with

known or suspected avian influenza viruses;

• Food handlers;

• Airport personnel with close exposure to passengers suspected of being avian influenzainfected; and

• Travelers on temporary work assignments

abroad in areas affected by HPAI H5N1 outbreaks.

Although HPAI H5N1 viruses have the potential to

develop into pandemic viruses if they acquire the

ability to pass readily from human-to-human, thus

far, there has been only very limited transmission

between humans. This document provides interim guidance for protecting employees who may

be exposed if there is an outbreak of HPAI H5N1

in the United States. For the most up-to-date

information on the occurrence of HPAI H5N1 outbreaks throughout the world, as well as other

HPAI virus outbreaks that may also pose a hazard to human health, consult the Department of

Health and Human Services (HHS) web site at:

www.avianflu.gov.

Symptoms of Avian Influenza (AI)

in Humans

Range from: fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches; to diarrhea, eye infections, pneumonia and severe respiratory diseases; and other

severe and life-threatening complications.

The symptoms of avian influenza may depend on

which virus caused the infection but often are

similar to those associated with human seasonal

influenza.

Individuals with these symptoms may be experiencing an illness other than influenza. Therefore,

laboratory tests can be used to confirm avian

influenza infection in humans.

FactSheet

Avian Flu

Avian influenza (AI) viruses infect wild birds and poultry (e.g., chickens). They are

divided into two groups based upon the severity of the disease they produce in

poultry: low pathogenicity AI (LPAI) viruses and highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) viruses.

LPAI viruses occur naturally in wild birds but can spread to poultry where they

generally cause minor illness. However, HPAI viruses are highly contagious and

cause high mortality in poultry. While LPAI viruses pose little threat to human

health, certain HPAI viruses have caused serious illness and even death. Of particular concern to public health are the HPAI H5N1 viruses that are spreading rapidly in

some parts of the world. HPAI H5N1 viruses have caused the deaths of millions of

birds and of over 140 people worldwide. These deaths have thus far been restricted to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. As of October 2006, the HPAI H5N1 virus

has not been found in the United States. 
Treatment 

Prescription antiviral drugs approved for influenza

(based on seasonal outbreak data) may be of

some benefit in treating avian flu infection in

humans. However, influenza viruses can become

resistant to these drugs, so these medications

may not always work. For some of these drugs to

be most effective, they must be taken within 48

hours after the first sign of symptoms. Additional

drugs may be developed for influenza, and it is

not yet known whether they will be more effective.

General Precautions for People Who May Be

Exposed to Avian Flu Viruses

• Use proper hand hygiene practices. Clean your

hands often and thoroughly, preferably using

soap and water for 15-20 seconds (or a waterless, alcohol-based hand rub when soap is not

available), especially if you are handling poultry

or poultry products.

• If possible, avoid contact with poultry and other

birds suspected or known to be infected.

• Avoid eating uncooked or undercooked poultry

or poultry products.

• If you are sick, stay at home except to get medical attention.

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or

sneeze.

Specific control measures should be selected as

appropriate to the particular exposure situation. 

• If eradication (depopulating) of poultry is necessary, use the following personal protective

equipment (PPE):

◆ Disposable gloves or gloves that can be disinfected;

◆ Protective clothing (e.g., long-sleeved coveralls with waterproof aprons that can be disinfected or disposed of);

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or 

standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of 

compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal

Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request.

The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.

◆ Disposable protective shoe covers or boots

that can be cleaned and disinfected;

◆ Safety goggles;

◆ Wear at least the minimum level of respiratory protection, N95 or higher respirator; and

◆ Employees should follow proper containment

and decontamination procedures when wearing PPE.

• Employees should check with their health care

providers about seasonal flu vaccine or antiviral

drugs.

• If you believe that you may have been exposed

to avian influenza:

◆ Monitor your health for 10 days;

◆ If you become ill with fever and develop a

cough or difficulty breathing, consult a health

care provider about what steps to take; and 

◆ Do not travel while sick, and limit contact with

others as much as possible to help prevent

the spread of any infectious disease.

Training

Employees with potential for exposure should

receive training on hazards associated with exposure to HPAI H5N1 and on the procedures in

place in their facility to isolate and report cases

and reduce exposures.

Additional Information

More information on avian influenza can be

found on OSHA’s website, www.osha.gov and

search on “avian flu.” For up-to-date information

about outbreaks of HPAI viruses and treatments

see: www.avianflu.gov. 

U.S. Department of Labor

www.osha.gov

(800) 321-OSHA

For more complete information:

DSG 10/2006