March 2, 2006

Bird flu — it's a hot global topic as workers in parts of Asia and Eastern Europe try to stifle the spread of the disease among wild birds and poultry. In a recent E.ON News Channel article, E.ON discussed precautions the company is taking in regard to the bird flu — also known as Avian influenza — in its service territories throughout Europe.

While there is no immediate threat of bird flu in the United States, E.ON U.S. is joining its European counterparts in pandemic planning to prepare for potential outbreaks. Corporate Health & Safety is working with officials on the state and local levels to implement measures, should an outbreak of bird flu occur in this region.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the bird flu virus must mutate before it can be transmitted from person to person. In the event that this becomes a reality the risk of infection can be considerably reduced by taking simple precautions. In this regard, bird flu does not differ from other flu viruses. Viruses are transmitted by droplets through coughing or sneezing. You can take preventive measures to generally avoid infection and the spread of germs by doing the following:

• Cover your mouth and nose.
  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Clean your hands.
  Washing your hands often will help protect you and others from germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Avoid close contact.
  Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Stay home when you are sick.
  If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

International Travel

E.ON U.S. employees who travel to areas where cases of the bird flu have been reported are advised to avoid contact with living or dead poultry. Eating eggs or poultry is not an issue since the virus is killed at temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius. However, avoid eating rare (pink) meat or runny eggs. Travelers also should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand disinfectant. For more travel information, consult the Centers for Disease Control's website.