# 502
This report from the Vientiane Times, although I've not seen it reported anywhere else yet.
Apparently testing has indicated an H5 infection in a 15 year-old girl, but the exact type of H5 has yet to be determined.
First human case of bird flu suspected
By vientiane times
(Latest Update February 25, 2007)The transmission of avian influenza to a human host is now suspected for the first time in Laos , but more scientific research is being conducted to confirm it as fact, the government announced on Sunday.
Minister of Public Health, Dr Ponmek Dalalay, said at the emergency press conference that the patient in question was a 15-year-old student from Dongsavath village, Sisattanak district, Vientiane , where bird flu broke out two weeks ago.
“She went for treatment at Setthathirath hospital on February 15. She was sick, with a headache and pain in some parts of her body. She also had a runny nose and cough. All of these things can indicate the common cold,” the minister said.
Dr Ponmek added that her parents sent her for treatment in a hospital in Thailand 's Nong Khai province on February 17. Later, samples were sent to Bangkok for testing.
“This morning we received a letter showing initial research from Thai side. That the flu is an H5 virus is clear, but it is not yet clear whether it is H5N1 or not. We cannot yet say whether she was infected with bird flu or not, as more detailed scientific research is needed,” the minister said.
“Today, we sent our doctors to collect a blood sample from the patient, who is now in Thailand , to continue researching the matter. We will also cooperate closely with the Thai side to observe the progress of her health.”
The Director of Vientiane's Health Department, Dr Inlavan Keobounphan, said the girl did not play with chickens. “We are surveying her family members, in particular those live with her in close proximity,” she said.
