WHO: Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 6

10 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 two and a half year old male from Amaria District, Alexandria Governorate. His symptoms began on 3 March and he was hospitalized at Alexandria Fever Hospital where he remains in a stable condition. Infection with H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed by the Egyptian Central Public Health Laboratory on 4 March.

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

Of the 57 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 23 have been fatal.