1 March 2007

The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population has announced a new human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. The case was confirmed by the Egyptian Central Public Health Laboratory and by the US Naval Medical Research Unit No.3 (NAMRU-3).

The 4-year-old girl was from Dakahlea Governorate. She developed symptoms on 25 February, was admitted to hospital on 26 February and her condition remains stable. The girl was exposed to sick birds at her home one week prior to the onset of symptoms. Contacts of the girl remain healthy and are being closely monitored.

Of the 23 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 13 have been fatal.