Avian influenza – situation in China - update

22 February 2008

The Ministry of Health in China has reported a new case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The case is a 41-year old male From Xixiangtang District of Nanning City of Guangxi Autonomous Region .

He developed symptoms on 12 February and died on 20 February. The case was confirmed by the national laboratory on 21 February. The case had contact with sick and dead poultry prior to his illness. All contacts have been placed under medical observation. All remain healthy to date.

Of the 29 cases confirmed to date in China, 19 have been fatal.