Avian influenza A(H5N1)- update 34: Situation (human) in Viet Nam

22 March 2004

Situation (human) in Viet Nam: media reports of a new human case

WHO is aware of media reports of a new fatal case of H5N1 infection in a 12-year-old boy from a southern province in Viet Nam. According to the media, the boy was hospitalized on 13 March and died two days later.

WHO has asked health authorities in Viet Nam for details about the case but has not yet received confirmatory information.

If confirmed, this will be the first reported case in Viet Nam since 20 February, when authorities announced infection in a 16-month old girl hospitalized on 16 February.