2 January 2008

The Ministry of Health and Population, Egypt has announced two new cases of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza.

The first case is a 25 years old female from Dekerns District, Dakahlyah Governorate. She developed symptoms on 26 December, was hospitalized on 27 December and died on 30 December.

The second case is a 36 years old female from Menof District, Menofia Governorate. She developed symptoms on 26 December, was hospitalized on 29 December and died on 31 December. To date, there has been no evidence of an epidemiological link between this case and the previous case from Menofia Governorate announced on the 28 December.

Both women had contact with sick and dead poultry prior to illness onset. Of the 43 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 18 have been fatal.