WHO: Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 18

1 June 2009 -- The Ministry of Health of Egypt has reported a new confirmed human case of avian influenza.

The case is a 14-month old girl from Dekernes District, Dkhalia Governorate. Her symptoms began on 25 May 2009. She was admitted to Mansoura Chest Hospital on 29 May where she received oseltamivir and is in a stable condition.

Investigations into the source of infection indicated that she had close contact with dead and sick poultry. The case was confirmed by the Egyptian Central Public Health Laboratories.

Of the 77 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 27 have been fatal.