2 April 2007

The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population has announced three new human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. The cases have been confirmed by the Egyptian Central Public Health Laboratory and by the US Naval Medical Research Unit No.3 (NAMRU-3).

The first case, a 4-year-old boy from Qena Governorate, is the brother of the 6-year-old girl whose infection was reported on 28 March. He developed symptoms on 26 March and was admitted to hospital on 29 March. The second case, a 7-year-old boy from Sohag Governorate, developed symptoms on 26 March and was hospitalised on 29 March. The third case is a 4-year-old girl from Qalubiea Governorate. She developed symptoms on 29 March and was admitted to hospital the following day.

All three children are receiving treatment and remain in a stable condition. Investigations into the sources of exposure indicate a history of contact with dead birds in each case. Contacts of the children are under surveillance and all remain healthy.

Of the 32 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 13 have been fatal.