In the event of avian influenza infection in marine animals, we advise the general public, residents or occasional visitors to cities in the coastal region of Buenos Aires to take a number of measures:
- Sites with restricted access to mammal (pinniped) and gregarious bird habitats.
- Do not feed, touch or handle wild animals. If visibly injured or sick animals are found, do not approach or attempt to assist them and notify the relevant authorities in accordance with SENA.
- Do not dispose of bird and/or mammal carcasses, remains, products or by-products found on or near the beach.
- Avoid unprotected contact with other suspected sick or dead mammals or birds.
- Domestic animals are not allowed to come into contact with wild animals, nor to allow domestic animals to transit in permanent habitats and/or resting areas of marine animals.
- Do not enter fenced or enclosed areas of public transport on the breakwater, port area and beach area.
- Do not travel by car in beach areas to avoid mechanical transmission of the virus.
If you have been in contact with a sick or dead susceptible animal and begin to develop symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, muscle pain, consult a health service immediately and report the exposure.
It is worth noting that people can sometimes become infected with avian influenza viruses, primarily through direct contact with live or dead infected animals or their contaminated environment.
Avian influenza contacts refer to people who have been in contact with sick or dead animals or whose environment has been contaminated by excreta (feces, blood, respiratory secretions, etc.) in the AH5 outbreak area. Influenza in birds or other animals within the past 10 days and improper use of personal protective equipment.