Avian influenza – situation in Indonesia – update 24

8 August 2006

The Ministry of Health in Indonesia has confirmed the country’s 55th case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus.

The case occurred a 16-year-old male from West Java Province. He developed symptoms on 26 July, was hospitalized on 4 August, and died on 7 August.

Prior to symptom onset, the case had contact with sick and dying chickens in his household. A joint investigation by health and agricultural officials detected the H5 virus subtype in chickens from the household. Family members and close contacts have been placed under surveillance.

Of the 55 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 43 have been fatal.