Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 7

11 March 2009 -- The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has reported a new confirmed human case of avian influenza. The new case is a one and a half year old female from Menofia Governorate. Her symptoms began on 6 March and she was hospitalized on 9 March where she remains in a stable condition. Infection with H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed on 10 March by the Egyptian Central Public Health Laboratory.

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

Of the 58 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 23 have been fatal.