Location: Areas around Thamel in Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley
Event: The U.S. Embassy recognizes the likelihood of Avian Influenza (AI) as a potential cause of death in some of the crows that nest in the trees in the Thamel neighborhood and other locations about the Kathmandu Valley. However, at this time, the Government of Nepal reports no human infections related to exposure to infected birds, including by farmers – those persons at highest risk for exposure to the AI virus. It must be emphasized that while there have been no reported cases of chicken culling recently in Nepal, the potential for transmission nonetheless exists.
Actions to Take:
- Avoid any direct contact with birds (including dead birds) or bird feces.
- Avoid handling birds with your bare hands.
- Useful Q&As: http://www.fao.org/avianflu/en/qanda.html
- CDC: How it is transmitted and how to protect oneself: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/bird-flu-basics.htm
Assistance:
Maharajgunj
Kathmandu, Nepal
Telephone: +(977)(1) 423-4000 or 400-7200
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(977)(1) 400-7266,400-7269
Email: consktm@state.gov
- State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
ï Enroll in Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates