The Ministry of Health in China has reported a new case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The case is a 19-year old female from Chaoyang District, Beijing. She developed symptoms on 24 Dec 2008, was hospitalized, and died on 5 January 2009.

The case was confirmed by the national laboratory. The case had contact with poultry prior to her illness. All contacts have been placed under medical observation. All remain healthy to date.

Of the 31 cases confirmed to date in China, 21 have been fatal.