Can avian influenza affect people?
Yes. However, transmission of the AI virus from bird to humans is a rare event. For humans to be infected they must come in close contact with infected birds or their droppings. To date, most human cases have occurred in rural or peri urban areas where many households keep small poultry flocks, which often roam freely, entering homes or sharing outdoor areas where children play. Also, because many households in Asia depend on poultry for income and food, many families sell or slaughter and consume birds when signs of illness appear in flocks. Exposure is considered most likely during slaughter, plucking, butchering and preparation of poultry for cooking. There is some risk of infection to humans but it needs to be kept in perspective. Despite extensive contacts between people and infected birds there have been very few cases AI and human deaths as a result of this virus.
