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Avian Influenza Information

Bird Flu Information Line
(401) 222-4080
  
News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
For Release: August 30, 2006
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402
Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

DEM OFFERS RECORDED INFORMATION ABOUT AVIAN INFLUENZA

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that it has activated a 24-hour informational telephone line to educate people via recorded messages about avian influenza, or "bird flu."

Most forms of avian influenza have been around for many years, including here in Rhode Island, and are not going to make people sick. However, one particular strain of the virus, called H5N1, in a highly pathogenic form, is causing illness and death in poultry and some waterfowl, such as swans and geese, in some parts of the world. Some people in close contact with the sick poultry in those countries have become infected and died; but so far the virus is not easily transmitted between people. The highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of virus has not yet shown up in North America, but state and federal officials have been making plans to deal with it if and when that occurs.

DEM's new "Bird Flu Line," at 222-4080, offers information about avian influenza, its effect on poultry and waterfowl, and the Department's ongoing monitoring efforts. It also refers callers to the Department of Health for information on the state's plans regarding the possibility of a future pandemic influenza, should the virus change and become easily transmitted between people. The Health Department has been charged by Governor Donald Carcieri with leading the state's efforts in preparing for such a possibility.

The "Bird Flu Line" also directs callers to both the DEM website at www.dem.ri.gov and the Health Department website at www.health.ri.gov for further information, and allows callers with questions or concerns not addressed in the recorded messages or on the two websites to leave a message.

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Flu Definitions

  • Seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.
  • Avian influenza, or "bird flu," is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl and can be transmitted from birds to humans. At this time the H5N1 virus cannot easily be transmitted from person to person. There is no human immunity to this virus and no vaccine is available.
  • Pandemic influenza is a worldwide outbreak of severe flu caused by a virus that is new to humans. Pandemics occur when a new or markedly changed virus develops. Because the virus is new or very different from any virus seen before, there is no natural immunity (defenses) in the human population, and the disease can spread easily from person to person. In a pandemic, many people may get sick at the same time, and many may die.
For General Information 222-6800 • After Hours Emergencies 222-3070 • Disclaimer