Avian Influenza Added to List of Notifiable Diseases Under Public Health Act

Following confirmation of H5N1 Avian Influenza in birds at a farm in West Bay, Grand Cayman, the Cayman Islands Government approved on 3 December an amendment to the Public Health Act (2021 Revision) to make clear that Avian Influenza is a notifiable disease.

The influenza viruses are a large family of viruses grouped into four subtypes: A, B, C, and D. Avian Influenza is a strain of the Influenza A virus that naturally circulates in birds but can occasionally infect humans. Human infection is rare and usually occurs through close contact with infected live or dead birds, their droppings, or contaminated environments. As it does not spread easily between people, the current risk to the general public remains very low.

“The transmission of Avian Influenza from birds to humans is rare but can occur,” explains Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hilary Wolf. “Avian Influenza is a different strain from seasonal flu viruses that typically affect humans. Most people lack any pre-existing immunity to this strain, which means that human infection with Avian Influenza has the potential to cause severe morbidity. While Influenza, which includes various strains, is already in the Schedule, adding Avian Influenza to the list of notifiable diseases is intended to provide clarity for the purposes of the Public Health Act. It is essential that the Public Health team is able to properly track the virus and respond quickly and effectively to any changes in the situation.”

Under the Public Health Act any person who becomes aware of suspected human exposure to or shows symptoms of a notifiable disease, is required to make a report to Public Health without delay. “Specifically including Avian Influenza as a notifiable disease under the Public Health Act will assist in strengthening national preparedness and response efforts now and in future,” adds Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez. “Timely reporting enables us to take appropriate action, helping connect individuals to the care they need, preventing the spread of disease and safeguarding the health of the community.”

Symptoms of Avian Influeza in humans include:

• Fever
• Cough or sore throat
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Eye irritation or conjunctivitis
• Muscle aches or fatigue

Anyone experiencing the above symptoms after contact with birds, poultry or another sick or dead wild animal should report immediately to the Public Health Department at (345) 244 2889, 244 2621, 244 2561, 244 2849 or publichealthdept@hsa.ky.

For more information, visit www.gov.ky. Together, we can safeguard our community and agricultural sector.

Key messages and recommendations:

• Avoid contact with sick or dead animals: Do not touch infected poultry, wild birds, or mammals, or environments contaminated by their feces.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently, especially after contact with animals or potentially contaminated surfaces.
• Ensure food safety: Consume only properly cooked poultry and pasteurised milk and dairy products, as thorough cooking (reaching internal temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius) and pasteurisation effectively kill the virus.       Ensure that juices from cooked meats are clear, not pink. Refrain from consuming raw eggs.
• Seek medical attention if symptomatic: If you develop symptoms like fever, cough, or conjunctivitis after potential exposure to infected animals, contact the Public Health department at 244 2889, 244 2621, 244 2561, 244 2849 or publichealthdept@hsa.ky.