Avian influenza – situation in Viet Nam - update 16

14 April 2005

The Ministry of Health in Viet Nam has provided WHO with official confirmation of an additional eight human cases of H5N1 avian influenza. Two of the cases were recently detected, between 2 and 8 April, in Hung Yen and Ha Tay Provinces, respectively. Both patients are alive. The other six cases are thought to have been detected prior to 2 April. WHO is seeking further details from the authorities on this six cases.

The Ministry of Health has reported to WHO that 41 cases from 18 cities and provinces have been detected in Viet Nam since mid-December 2004. Of these cases, 16 have died and six remain under treatment.