April 7, 2004—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has added a page to its Web site providing Guidance for Protecting Workers against Avian Flu. An outbreak of avian influenza A (H5N1), also known as “avian flu” or “bird flu,” has been reported in several countries throughout Asia, and different strains of the flu were detected in February in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The disease is believed to be spread from birds or contaminated surfaces to humans, but has not yet been proven to pass from human to human, says the EPA. However, the EPA recommends extra precautions in situations of possible contamination. The site gives guidance for laboratory workers, medical workers who transport/treat avian flu patients, food handlers (particularly of poultry products), airline flight crews, and travelers.
