Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 3

5 February 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 male from Suez Governorate, Ganain District. His symptoms began on 2 February and he was hospitalized at the Suez Fever Hospital on 3 February. He 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 his infection indicate a recent history of contact with dead poultry.

Of the 54 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 23 have been fatal.