Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 8

12 March 2007

The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population has announced a new human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. The case was confirmed by the Egyptian Central Public Health Laboratory and by the US Naval Medical Research Unit No.3 (NAMRU-3).

The 4-year-old boy was from Ad Daqahliyah Governorate. He developed symptoms on 7 March 2007, was admitted to hospital on 8 March and his condition remains stable. The boy was exposed to sick birds during the first three days of March. Contacts of the boy remain healthy and are being closely monitored.

Of the 24 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 13 have been fatal.