The purpose of this Web page is to provide information to primary stakeholders (participants, field staff, communities, partners and others) regarding the impact of avian influenza (also known as bird flu) on CWY programs in Asia, Africa, America and Eastern Europe and the process we have set up for responding to the situation as it evolves. 

Health and Safety:  Our Primary Concern

Our primary concern is always to ensure the health and safety of our participants from Canada and from partner countries.  Canada World Youth and its partners have achieved many successes with youth for over 30 years, and have earned an international reputation for the appropriate management of situations involving elements of risk.  This stems from the fact that we have always recognized the importance of providing a safe environment for participants.  We continue to monitor the situation in Asia, Africa, America and Eastern Europe closely and are taking appropriate measures so that the learning environments in which these programs take place remain safe.

Health Canada, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control:  Our Points of Reference

When gathering specific information about avian influenza and making decisions regarding participants’ activities and health, Canada World Youth will be guided by the policies and procedures set out by Health Canada.  The Health Canada Web site (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dc-ma/avia/index_e.html) contains detailed information about avian influenza A (H5N1), regular updates, and recommendations for the safest behaviours to adopt in different situations.

The World Health Organization Web site (http//www.who.int/en/) is another very useful reference that is updated regularly. 

We also check the Web site of the Centers for Disease Control on a daily basis (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/).  A section of this site gives recommendations to people who live overseas.  There is a lot of detailed information.  We can find this information at the following address:  http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentAvianFluAmericansAbroad.aspx

Avian Flu – Influenza A (H5N1):  Taking Stock of the Situation

Avian influenza A (H5N1) is a contagious viral infection that is thought to affect all species of birds; although rare, infection in humans can occur.  The first documented infection of humans with the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus occurred in Hong Kong in 1997, when the strain caused severe respiratory disease in 18 humans, six of whom died.  The infection in humans coincided with an epidemic of H5N1 in Hong Kong's domestic poultry population. 

Investigation into human cases of H5N1 suggests that direct contact with infected poultry has been the primary, if not exclusive, means of infection; although, in a small number of instances a link to direct contact with infected poultry was not identifiable. In a few cases it would appear that human-to-human transmission may have occurred. However, such cases involved extended close personal contact with an infected individual (i.e. providing bedside care for an infected relative) and no further transmission occurred.

Canada World Youth’s medical team is nonetheless monitoring the situation closely, keeping an eye out for new outbreaks and remaining up-to-date about the changing conditions of the virus. 

Recommendations

The following list contains advice from Health Canada and Canada World Youth’s medical team for supervisors and participants: 

-          It is recommended to get a flu-shot.  While this current seasonal flu shot does not protect against avian flu, the immunization may be of benefit. 

-          Participants must avoid any contact with both live and dead domestic poultry and wild birds.  This includes sections of markets where live birds are sold.  This also means to avoid swimming in rivers where wild birds and poultry bathe.

-          Although there is no evidence to date indicating that the virus may be transmitted through contaminated food, it is recommended to ensure that poultry prepared for consumption is thoroughly cooked (juice runs clear and no visible pink meat) to eliminate the risk of infection.  It is always advisable to avoid eating raw eggs or lightly cooked egg products (such as runny eggs). 

-          Although the risk is not as great in places where animals are not grouped together, the medical team suggests as a precaution, whether in Canada or in the exchange country, that participants must not live or work where there are birds, poultry or fowl. If there are birds, poultry or fowl present, they must be kept outside the house or work place and participants should not take care of chickens or any other migrating bird.

-          It is also advised to maintain high standards of hygiene, including thorough hand washing, particularly after contact with eggs or undercooked poultry and egg products.

Participants with Flu Symptoms

In accordance with recommendations made by Canada World Youth’s medical team, and as flu-like symptoms are very common, it is not currently recommended to have all participants with a cough or slight fever tested, unless the situation in the region calls for it. 

Of course, if a participant is sick enough to require a consultation, the medical team is available.  The participant’s supervisors should contact Canada World Youth as follows

-          Monday to Friday:  Loïse Tanguay at 514-931-3526 extension 327 or ltanguay@cwy-jcm.org.  Contact your program manager also. 

-          Weekends:  Contact the people on the emergency list.  Call 514-931-3526 to get their numbers. 

Activity Changes for CWY 8

As mentioned earlier, Canada World Youth checks the Web sites of Health Canada, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on a daily basis.  Canada World Youth will consult with its medical office and partners in order to make decisions regarding any warnings that may be issued.  We will not hesitate to make changes to these programs if necessary. 

A Situation in a State of Flux

Please take note that the situation of avian influenza H5N1 is constantly changing, both on the medical front and with regards to the risks as perceived by the public.  For this reason, this Web page will be updated frequently and Canada World Youth will not hesitate to modify its policies and procedures to adapt to the situation.