Communique from the General Conference Regarding the Avian Influenza (H5N1 strain)

dear colleagues:

As a world church, with employees and volunteers in over 200 countries, we are sensitive to the potential threat of a major epidemic of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza and to the anxieties a global epidemic can evoke.

This strain of avian influenza virus named H5N1 is of concern because it bears similarity to the virus that caused a major pandemic in 1918, at which time millions lost their lives. It should be clearly understood that, though a small number of cases (less than 100) of bird-to-human transmission have been documented, the current H5N1 virus is not being spread from human to human.

Should the virus mutate, or become modified by genetic interaction between it and other viruses, as there is a strong likelihood will happen, we could have a serious epidemic with which to deal.

The current situation demands a high level of vigilance. At the world church headquarters, we will monitor the recommendations that will come from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, and we will issue appropriate recommendations when the situation demands it.

We anticipate that one of the major recommendations would likely be of travel restrictions, especially affecting large gatherings and international meetings. Individuals may need to change their travel plans.

We are alerting leadership to such possibilities, and request that we act corporately, as responsible citizens complying with whatever public health recommendations may be issued.

According to Adventist Risk Management, the medical health plans of the General Conference and the North American Division as they relate to Adventist Volunteer Service and the Inter- Division Employees, will respond to the avian flu as it responds to any other covered illness. Maximum limits of the respective policies will apply.

Often, people in more remote areas would be less exposed than those in cities.

Questions of repatriation in the face of an epidemic might prove problematic in that containment of the disease may require containment of people. Exposure in aircraft may be a serious problem. Quarantine of travelers coming from territories where an epidemic was in progress could become necessary.

At this point in time, what we are envisaging is hypothetical. Nevertheless, it is wise to be alerted.

It is important to stress very basic principles:

• Avoidance of contact with live birds - for example, in farms or markets - is advisable. Remember, shoes are easily contaminated.
• Bird excreta can carry the virus, so avoidance of avian manure seems wise.
• Hand-washing is a key to reducing transmission. Good habits should be taught and practiced, starting immediately - especially youngsters need teaching.
• Sneezing and coughing should be contained as much as possible. We should promote the use of paper tissues, disposal of which is easy.
• Large gatherings in congested conditions are favorable to transmission of respiratory viruses, and in the event of an outbreak would best be avoided.
• Nasal and oral secretions are potential hazards. Wash hands after such contamination.
• Carriage and use of alcohol-containing hand sanitizers may help.

In the event of new developments, the Web page - www.health20-20.org - will serve as a centrally updated General Conference page regarding the H5N1 flu situation.

Issued by the Communication Department, in consultation with the Health Ministries Department, General Conference, December 5, 2005.