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The virus, which scientists have named H5N-1, first appeared in Hong Kong in 1997.
The disease is currently spreading through Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
The disease hit the African continent early February (in Nigeria) and has been found in 5 more countries (Niger, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Egypt and Sudan).
In Kenya, there is NO avian flu, but Kenya is on the migratory path of wild birds traveling south from Europe and Asia where there have been cases of Avian Flu, which raises concern in the country.
WHO has declared that Kenya is in PHASE 3: there is Avian Flu in birds, but there is no human to human spread, or at most rare instances of spread to close contact with sick birds.
At this point we need to protect ourselves in order to reduce the impact of a pandemic if it were to occur. We also need to stay informed about the virus.
If you have any questions or comments, please write to:
Avian Flu Secretariat
Email: Mwende.njuguna@unon.org or Jacqueline.kimani@unon.org
Tel: +254 20 762 2562
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