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

The case is a 32-year old man from Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province. He developed symptoms on 5 February 2009 and was hospitalized on 13 February 2009. He is currently in a serious condition. The case is known to have had recent contact with sick poultry prior to the onset of his illness.

Further investigations are currently underway. Control measures have been implemented and close contacts are being identified and monitored.

Of the 109 cases confirmed to date in Viet Nam, 52 have been fatal.