Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 2

26 January 2009 -- The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has announced a new human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. The case is a 2-year-old female from Manofia Governorate, Shebin Elkom District. Her symptoms began on 23 January and she was immediately hospitalized. She remains in a stable condition. Infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus was confirmed by the Egyptian Central Public Health Laboratory.

Investigations into the source of her infection indicate a recent history of contact with sick and dead poultry.

Of the 53 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 23 have been fatal.