22 January 2009 -- The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced two new confirmed cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. A 29-year-old female from Tangerang District, Banten Province developed symptoms on 11 December 2008, was hospitalized on 13 December and died on 16 December. The investigation indicated that she visited a wet market to buy fresh produce, including chicken meat, on a daily basis. Household contacts were placed under medical observation, where none developed illness.

The second case, a 5-year-old female from Bekasi City, West Java Province developed symptoms on 23 December 2008, was hospitalized on 27 Dec 2008 and died on 2 January 2009. The investigation indicated that she visited a wet market to buy chicken meat and eggs two days prior to symptom onset. Contacts were placed under medical observation, where none developed illness.

Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in both cases.

Of the 141 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 115 have been fatal.