12 March 2012 - The Ministry of Health, Viet Nam has reported a confirmed case of human infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in the country.

The case is a 31 year-old male from Dak Lak province. He developed symptoms on 29 February 2012 and sought health care on the same day. On 4 March 2012, he was admitted to a hospital and was diagnosed with viral pneumonia. He was transferred to a referral hospital on 5 March 2012, where he is currently being treated.

Laboratory tests were confirmed by the Pasteur Institute Ho Chi Minh City, a WHO National influenza Centre.

Epidemiological investigation indicate that the man was involved in the slaughter and consumption of sick poultry. Pasteur Institute Ho Chi Minh City and the local health sector are conducting further investigation and providing appropriate response. No close contacts of the case have reported respiratory symptoms.

To date, of the 123 confirmed cases reported in Viet Nam, 61 have been fatal.