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With an H1N1 flu pandemic still ongoing, and numerous reports of bird flu in Asian poultry, this week marks the beginning of a nervous few weeks for epidemiologists and public health officials in Asia.
For this weekend is the peak of the biggest travel holiday on earth; The Lunar New Year.
In Vietnam, it is called Tết Nguyên Đán or Feast of the First Morning. Tết for short.
In Korea it is called Seollal.
In China, it is often called Chunyun, Chinese New Year, or simply, The Spring Festival.
By whatever name, the lunar new year is no doubt the most important holiday in all of Asia. And more than 2.5 billion passenger journeys – mostly by crowded train – will be made in China alone over this six week period.
In many Asian cultures it is a long held tradition that people return home to attend a reunion dinner with their families on the eve of the lunar New Year. They stay a few days, then return to the cities from whence they came.
Duck and chicken are, as you might imagine, popular dishes during these gatherings. And the live markets do tremendous business this time of year.
All of which provides opportunities for flu viruses to hitch rides to remote areas of the world where they may not have arrived yet, and for viruses to be carried from rural areas back to the cities.
This year, the lunar New Year falls on February 14th.
Nearly a month ago Chinese officials warned those at high risk not to travel during this time period (see China: Spring Festival - High Risk Individuals Should Not Travel Home), although it is unclear how many will heed this warning.
In Vietnam authorities are culling poultry in advance of the Tet Holiday, as we learn from this report from AFP.
Vietnam slaughters poultry over bird flu fears
Agence France-Presse
First Posted 13:56:00 02/10/2010
Filed Under: Health
HANOI - Thousands of ducks and chickens have been slaughtered in Vietnam as the government tries to contain an outbreak of bird flu ahead of the Lunar New Year, the government said Wednesday.
Poultry is a favored dish for feasts during Tet, the Vietnamese new year that begins Sunday, and authorities are moving to try to stop the potentially deadly disease spreading to people in six of the country's provinces.
In the worst-affected province of Ha Tinh, in central Vietnam, more than 14,000 chickens and ducks have been slaughtered after almost 3,600 were found contaminated, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said on its website.
In Thailand authorities are warily keeping an eye on the situation, even though no H5N1 outbreaks are currently being reported.
Bird Flu Watch ahead of Chinese New Year
UPDATE : 10 February 2010
Livestock officials across the country have stepped up bird flu control measures as the Chinese New Year celebrations draw near.
A fresh market in the Sakon Nakhon municipality saw a lively atmosphere today while Thais of Chinese descent have started looking for products to be used for the annual Chinese New Year ceremony this Sunday.
And our own CDC has issued advice to those who may be travelling during this holiday period:
Enjoy a safe and healthy Lunar New Year!
Released: January 07, 2010
Seasonal flu, 2009 H1N1 flu and avian flu
- Flu is a common illness in travelers. It is important to consider getting a seasonal flu shot before your trip. Learn more about seasonal flu.
- This year a vaccine against 2009 H1N1 flu is also recommended, especially if you are at risk from health complications from flu. Learn more about 2009 H1N1 Flu and read the Travelers’ Health H1N1 outbreak notice: 2009 H1N1 flu: Global Situation.
Due to the circulation of 2009 H1N1 flu, some countries may screen arriving travelers for symptoms of the flu. Read more about possible screening for international travelers.- Another type of flu called avian influenza (“bird flu” or H5N1) has been found in poultry and wild birds in Asia, Europe, and Africa. While rare, human infection and death from H5N1 have been reported. To learn more about H5N1 virus visit, see Human Infection with Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus: Advice for Travelers.
None of this is to say that a spike in pandemic H1N1 (or worse, H5N1) cases is inevitable in the wake of this holiday.
It is simply possible.
And so public health authorities are doing what they can to try to reduce the risks. It is an old adage, but nonetheless true.
When public health works, nothing happens.
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