Avian Influenza A (H7N9)  New! 

A new strain of influenza, known as Avian Influenza A:H7N9, which is normally found only in birds, has been infecting humans in China since March 2013. Most, though not all of the cases reported to date, got sick after having contact with infected birds or poultry, and most of the reported cases have become seriously ill.

The San Francisco Department of Public Health is closely monitoring developments with this strain of bird flu.

So far, cases have been limited to China and Taiwan - none have been reported anywhere in the USA. Since the H7N9 influenza strain is not spreading easily from person-to-person at this time, there is no recommendation to avoid travel to China. Travelers should take common sense precautions, like not touching birds or other animals, washing hands often, and ensuring that foods made with poultry are fully cooked. Anyone with fever, coughing, or shortness of breath within 10 days of traveling to China should see a doctor and tell the doctor about travel to China. 

Please click here to access updated information for clinicians and the general public.

 

 

Additional Cases of Invasive Meningococcal Disease in Men Who Have Sex with Men in New York City; SFDPH has updated recommendations for Meningococcal Vaccine for Certain San Francisco Men Traveling to New York City   

New York City (NYC) reported 4 new cases of meningococcal disease in men who have sex with men (MSM) on March 6 and have expanded their vaccination recommendations for MSM residing in NYC. San Francisco health officials have updated recommendations to align with NYC’s. We are recommending meningococcal vaccine for San Francisco gay, bisexual and transgender male to female persons who are planning on traveling to NYC and expect to have close or intimate contact with MSM while there. We wanted to inform and protect those who could become infected with meningococcal disease, specifically during travel to NYC. 

For more information:

San Francisco Department of Public Health Health Advisory and Frequently Asked Questions

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Health Alerts
or Patient Fact Sheet.

 

 

Promoting Healthier International Travel

Many travelers head overseas without the protection of effective vaccines or medications to prevent common, debilitating, and life-threatening diseases such as malaria and viral hepatitis. The San Francisco Department of Public Health is sponsoring a local public awareness campaign to encourage international travelers to visit a travel medicine specialist prior to departure.  Read more ...

If your health system does not offer a travel medicine specialist, the AITC Immunization & Travel Clinic is open to the public.