Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 9

30 March 2009 -- The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has reported a new confirmed human case of avian influenza. The case is a two and a half year old female from Qena District, Qena Governorate. Her symptoms began on 23 March. She was admitted to Qena Fever Hospital on 24 March where she was started on oseltamivir the same day (24 March) and remains in a stable condition. Infection with H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed by the Egyptian Central Public Health Laboratory on 26 March.

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

Of the 60 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 23 have been fatal.