Avian influenza – situation in China - update 2

26 February 2008

The Ministry of Health in China has reported a new case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The case is a 44-year old female from Haifeng county, Shanwei city, Guangdong province.

She developed symptoms on 16 February was hospitalized on 22 February and died on 25 February. The case was confirmed by the national laboratory on 25 February. The case had contact with sick and dead poultry prior to her illness. All contacts have been placed under medical observation. All remain healthy to date.

Of the 30 cases confirmed to date in China, 20 have been fatal.