The majority of human cases have been found in primarily in people that deal directly with poultry and other such contaminated places.
And while the cases have been sparse, scientists feel that the Avian Influenza can be particularly infectious to humans, because there is little to nothing you can do about it. Because it is so rare in humans, it has been difficult to create an immunology against it.
If the Avian Influenza were to spread in humans, doctors fear that there would be a worldwide influenza pandemic. No one can accurately predict when a pandemic might occur, but it does have scientists in a struggle trying to find a way to prevent it for as long as they can.
The other dangerous aspect of avian influenza is that you can not diagnosis or detected by symptoms alone, a laboratory test is required. The laboratory test is simple, a quick swab of the inside of you nostril is collected and then sent to the laboratory.
A question that may be on your mind now: Can i get the avian influenza virus from eating or preparing poultry or eggs? And be at ease, the answer is no. There is currently no scientific evidence that links eating poultry or eggs to the contraction of the avian influenza virus.
Really, the only human cases have been in people that have been in direct contact with infected poultry or surfaces that have been contaminated with the secretion of infected birds. And even if you do come across an egg from a bird who once was contaminated with the virus, properly cooking it will kill any of it. And just to remain safe these tips were released by the FDA:
2. Clean cutting boards and other utensils with soap and hot water to keep raw poultry from contaminating other foods.
3. Use a thermometer to make sure you cook poultry to a temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Cook eggs until whites and yolks and firm.But be assured, United States Government carefully controls the imports of foreign and domestic goods. In 2004, they put a ban on the importation of poultry affected by the avian influenza virus.