29 January 2008

The Ministry of Health in Indonesia has confirmed an additional four cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. Two of these cases were fatal. There is no evidence of an epidemiological link between the cases.

The first case, a 31-year-old female from East Jakarta, Jakarta Province, developed symptoms on 18 January, was hospitalized on 22 January and is currently in hospital. The investigation indicated that she visited a wet market where live poultry are sold three days prior to symptom onset.

The second case, a 9-year-old male from Depok Municipality, West Java, developed symptoms on 16 January, was hospitalized on 23 January and died on 27 January. Investigations into the source of his infection indicate that the case lived next door to a wet market where live poultry are sold.

The third case, a 32-year-old male from Tangerang Municipality, Banten Province, developed symptoms on 17 January, was hospitalized on 24 January and is currently in hospital. Investigations into the source of his infection are ongoing.

The fourth case, a 23-year-old female from East Jakarta, Jakarta Province, developed symptoms on 19 January, was hospitalized on 24 January and died on 27 January. Investigations into the source of her infection are ongoing.

Of the 124 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 100 have been fatal.