19 January 2009 -- The Ministry of Health in China has reported 3 new cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus.

The first case is a 27 year old female from Jinan City, Shandong Province. She developed symptoms on 5 January, was hospitalized, and died on 17 January. The source of her infection is presently under investigation.

The second case is a 2 year old female from Luliang City, Shanxi Province. She developed symptoms on 7 January, was hospitalized, and is in a critical condition. The source of her infection is presently under investigation.

The third case is a 16 year old male from Huaihua City, Hunan Province. He developed symptoms on 8 January, was hospitalized on 16 January, and is in a critical condition. The case had exposure to sick and dead poultry.

All 3 cases were confirmed by the national laboratory. All contacts have been placed under medical observation and remain healthy to date.

Of the 34 cases confirmed to date in China, 22 have been fatal.

A dynamic map system of China AIV situation can be viewed through http://map.flu.org.cn