WHO: Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 11

17 April 2009 -- The Ministry of Health of Egypt has reported a new confirmed human case of avian influenza . The case is a 33 year old female from Kellin district, Kfr El Sheikh Governorate. Her symptoms began on 7 April and she was hospitalized at Kfr El Sheikh Fever Hospital on 15 April where she was started on oseltamivir the same day (15 April). She is in a critical condition.

Infection with H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed by the Egyptian Central Public Health Laboratory on 15 April.

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

Of the 64 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 23 have been fatal.