Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 6

19 February 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 5-year-old boy from Sharkia Governorate was admitted to hospital with symptoms on 14 February, and his condition remains stable. The boy was exposed to sick birds one week prior to the onset of symptoms. Contacts of the boy remain healthy and have been placed under close observation.

Of the 22 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 13 have been fatal.