13 November 2006

The Ministry of Health in Indonesia has confirmed an additional two cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus.

The first newly-confirmed case is a 35-year-old female from Tangerang in Banten Province. She developed symptoms on 7 November and was hospitalized on 10 November. She remains hospitalized. Her source of exposure is currently under investigation.

The second case occurred in a 30-month-old male from Karawang in West Java Province. He developed symptoms on 5 November, was hospitalized on 10 November, and died on 13 November. An initial investigation of his exposure source found reports of chicken deaths near his home in the days prior to symptom onset.

Of the 74 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 56 have been fatal.