Sunday, December 05, 2010

Egypt Reports Bird Flu Fatality

 

 

 

# 5115

 

Quietly, although not secretly, Egypt tests thousands of people with flu-like symptoms each year for the H5N1 virus.

 

Of the more than 11,800 people tested since 2006, only 113 have tested positive.  And of those, 37 have died.

 

Despite returning less that 1 positive case out of every 100  people tested, Egypt remains the country with the 3rd highest number of bird flu cases (behind Indonesia, and Vietnam) and the country reporting the most activity over the past two years.

 

The one semi-positive note in all of this is that Egypt has the lowest mortality from the virus, with just under 33% dying from the virus.   

 

Indonesia, in contrast, has reported less than a 19% survival rate.  Globally, only about 40% of reported cases have survived.

 

Yesterday, in a terse press release, the Egyptian Ministry of Health announced the 10th fatality in 2010.  I waited overnight before posting, hoping more details would emerge.  But so far, we know very little more. 

 

This from KUNA, the Kuwaiti News Agency.

 

Egypt announces 10th bird flu fatality in ''10

Health    12/4/2010 9:43:00 PM

CAIRO, Dec 4 (KUNA) -- Egypt on Saturday announced the 10th bird flu fatality this year for a 30-year-old women northern the capital.

 

Since the national outbreak of the pandemic in 2006, some 113 cases were discovered; 37 of which led to death, the Egyptian health ministry said in a statement. (end) bna.hb KUNA 042143 Dec 10NNNN