Epidemiological Alert - Outbreaks of avian influenza and public health implications in the Region of the Americas

Given the increase in outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry farms, backyards, and wild birds in countries of the Region of the Americas and other Regions, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) recommends that the Member States strengthen coordination between sectors involved in alerting and responding to zoonotic events and implement the necessary measures to contain emerging pathogens that may put public health at risk. PAHO/WHO recommends monitoring the occurrence of influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) in people exposed to birds (domestic, wild, or in captivity) infected with influenza viruses.