H10N3 avian influenza in Jiangsu Province, China

03 Jun 2021

The National Health Commission in China (link translated from Chinese) has reported an unusual case of bird flu (H10N3 avian influenza A) in a person in Jiangsu Province. This is the first time this virus has been seen in a human. The patient is not seriously unwell. This type of bird flu is not easily spread from birds to people or between people. 

Advice for Travellers

Avian influenza (bird flu) is an influenza virus that spreads among birds. Rarely, the virus can spread to people who have had close contact with infected birds.

If you are travellling to a country where avian influenza has caused human disease, you should be aware of the potential risk of infection.

In particular, you should avoid contact with:

• live chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, quail or any wild birds
• surfaces that might have had bird droppings on
• commercial or backyard bird farms, or live bird markets
• sick or dead birds

The virus is killed by thorough cooking of bird meat and eggs. You should:

Avoid eating raw or undercooked bird meat or food containing bird blood.
Avoid bringing birds or their meat, back into the UK.

Care should be taken if you are handling raw or undercooked bird products. You should:

• Maintain strict hand hygiene; particularly when preparing food, and before meals.
• Practise good respiratory hygiene measures and avoid close contact with people who appear unwell.
• Seek medical advice if you develop respiratory/influenza-like symptoms during or after returning from countries where avian influenza has been reported.

See the fitfortravel Avian Influenza and Avian Influenza travel advice pages for further information.