Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 12

28 March 2007

The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population has announced two new human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. The cases have been confirmed by the Egyptian Central Public Health Laboratory and by the US Naval Medical Research Unit No.3 (NAMRU-3).

The first case, a 6-year-old girl from Qena Governorate, was admitted to hospital on 25 March with symptoms. The second case, a 5-year-old boy from Menia Governorate, was also hospitalised with symptoms on 25 March. Both children remain in a stable condition. Initial investigations indicate exposure to sick birds in both cases.

Of the 29 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 13 have been fatal.