Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 5

2 March 2009 -- The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has reported a new confirmed human case of avian influenza on 1 March 2009. The new case is a two-year old male from Yousef el seddik district of Fayoum Governorate whose symptoms began on 25 February. He was hospitalized and treated at the Manshiet Elbakry general hospital on 28 February and is currently in a critical condition. Infection with H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed by the Egyptian Central Public Health Laboratory on 1 March.

Investigations into the source of infection indicate a history of close contact with dead and sick poultry prior to becoming ill.

Of the 56 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 23 have been fatal.