As the increasing movement of migratory birds raises the risk of avian influenza (AI) outbreaks, Cheonan City announced on the 13th that it is urging compliance with preventive guidelines to prevent human infections.

AI human infection is an acute respiratory infectious disease that occurs through contact with poultry infected with the AI virus or objects contaminated with the excretion and secretion of infected birds. After a maximum incubation period of 10 days, symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and conjunctivitis may appear.

Although there have been no reported domestic cases to date, cases continue to be reported overseas, calling for heightened vigilance. To prevent human infections, citizens must adhere to the following guidelines: △ Refraining from visiting migratory bird habitats; △ Avoiding unnecessary contact with wild birds and poultry; △ Washing hands frequently; △ Not touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; and △ Cooking chicken, duck, eggs, and other poultry products thoroughly at 75 degrees Celsius or higher for over 5 minutes.

The city is preparing to respond promptly in the event of an AI outbreak by establishing an AI human infection response team and an emergency contact network, organizing necessary supplies and medical resources, and conducting public awareness campaigns targeting poultry farm workers and citizens.

Additionally, the city maintains a cooperative system with relevant organizations such as South Chungcheong Province and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) to systematically promote the prevention and management of human infections.

"We will thoroughly prepare to prevent avian influenza human infections and respond promptly," said Lee Hyun-ki, head of the Seobuk-gu Public Health Center. "We also ask our citizens to strictly follow the preventive guidelines."

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