Avian Influenza risk in Hangzhou

Avian Influenza Prevention Guide for Hangzhou Residents

Risk Score: 59/100

What is Avian Influenza?

Bird flu is a viral infection that primarily spreads among birds but can jump to humans through close contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments. Symptoms in humans include high fever, cough, sore throat, and in severe cases, pneumonia and respiratory failure.

Why Hangzhou Faces Elevated Risk

Hangzhou sits along the East Asian-Australasian migratory bird flyway, meaning wild birds frequently pass through the region. The city has numerous wet markets and backyard poultry keepers, especially in rural districts like Xiaoshan and Tonglu. The West Lake area attracts large flocks of waterfowl that can carry the virus. Warm, humid spring and autumn conditions help the virus survive longer in the environment. Live poultry markets in some neighborhoods remain a concern despite regulation efforts.

Your Prevention Steps

Avoid direct contact with live or dead poultry. Do not touch birds at wet markets, parks, or lake areas. If you keep backyard chickens, use gloves and a mask when handling them, and keep birds away from your living spaces.

Cook all poultry and eggs thoroughly. The virus dies at 70°C. Avoid runny eggs or undercooked chicken dishes.

Practice hand hygiene after visiting markets, parks, or anywhere birds gather. Wash with soap for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based sanitizer.

Get your seasonal flu vaccine. While it does not prevent avian influenza specifically, it reduces the chance of co-infection, which can create dangerous new virus combinations.

Report sick or dead birds. Contact Hangzhou's agricultural department or local authorities if you find unusually high numbers of dead birds, especially near water sources. Do not handle them yourself.

Stay informed during outbreak seasons. Follow updates from Zhejiang Provincial Health Commission and the World Health Organization.