28 December 2007

The Ministry of Health in Viet Nam has confirmed a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. The case has been confirmed by the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE).

The case is a 4 year old male from Son La Province. He developed symptoms on 7 December, was hospitalized on 11 December and died on 16 December.

Control measures have been implemented and close contacts have been identified. All remain healthy and will continue to be monitored. The source of exposure is currently under investigation.

Of the 101 cases confirmed to date in Vietnam, 47 have been fatal.