Avian Influenza update - patients presenting with symptoms

Morecambe Bay CCG release

You may be aware of the confirmed Avian Influenza cases in Cumbria and Lancashire over the past couple of weeks. Advice has been shared with the public here in relation to the Cumbria outbreak over the weekend.

This includes guidance for people who may find dead birds in the wild advising they should not touch them, but should report them to DEFRA on 03000 200 301 (England only).

The UK Health Security Agency is tracing anyone who has been exposed to the affected birds or will be in the near future for work purposes. Antiviral prophylaxis will be issued via our local OOH providers where required and people will be made aware of how they can access swabbing and advice should they develop symptoms.

However, should anyone present with your service who thinks they have developed symptoms as a result of exposure, please see attached a flow chart detailing investigation and management of possible human cases, plus the information which should be given to people issued antivirals.

You may also hear from people who think they have been exposed but not yet traced, from both confirmed incidents of confirmed avian flu and potentially those who have picked up dead birds in the wild.

In the event this happens, please call the Health Protection Team to discuss this. They can be contacted Mon-Fri 9-5 on 0344 225 0562, and out of hours on 0151 434 4819. They can provide advice, liaise with the laboratory if needed, and are sighted on any results as soon as they are ready.