Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 5

4 March 2008

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has announced a new human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. The case is a 25 years old female from Sennoris District, Fayum Governorate. She developed symptoms on 24 February and was hospitalized on 27 February. Her death has now been confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Population.

Investigations into the source of her infection indicate that she had contact with sick poultry prior to becoming unwell.

Of the 45 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 20 have been fatal.