Avian influenza – situation in China – update 9

19 April 2006

The Ministry of Health in China has confirmed the country’s 17th case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The case occurred in a 21-year-old male migrant worker employed in Wuhan City, Hubei Province. He developed symptoms on 1 April. He is presently hospitalized in critical condition.

The man’s source of exposure is under investigation. No poultry outbreaks have been reported in Hubei Province since November 2005. His close contacts have been placed under medical observation.

To date, China has reported 17 cases of H5N1 infection. Of these, 11 have been fatal.