WHO: Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 22

31 August 2009 -- The Ministry of Health of Egypt has reported 2 new confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H5N1).

The first case is a 2 year-old female from Menofyia Governorate. Her symptoms started on 23 August. She was admitted to a fever hospital on 26 August, where she received oseltamivir treatment. The patient is in a stable condition.

The second case is an 14 year-old female from Damitta Governorate. Her symptoms started on 21 August. She was admitted to a fever hospital on 23 August, where she received oseltamivir treatment, and is in a stable condition.

Investigations into the source of infection indicated that both cases had close contact with dead and/or sick poultry.

The cases were confirmed by the Egyptian Central Public Health Laboratories.

Of the 85 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 27 have been fatal.