Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update

28 December 2007

The Ministry of Health and Population, Egypt has announced two new cases of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. The first case is a 50 year old female from Domiatt Governorate. She was hospitalized on 24 December and is in critical condition.

The second case is a 22 year old female chicken seller from Menofia Governorate. She was hospitalized on 26 December and is presently recovering in intensive care.

Both women had contact with sick and dead poultry prior to illness onset.

Of the 41 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 16 have been fatal.