# 1681
Without explaining the delay in testing, Chinese authorities are reporting the death of a 22-year old man from central china from the H5N1 bird flu virus.
The man entered a hospital more than a month ago, and died, according to reports, on January 24th.
Feb 18, 2008
China reports bird flu death: HK authorities
HONG KONG - A 22-YEAR-OLD man in central China has died of bird flu, Hong Kong's health department said late on Monday, citing a notification from the Chinese health ministry.
The man from Hunan province developed a headache and fever on January 16 and was admitted to hospital, Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection said.
The man died on January 24.
Chinese laboratory tests on samples from the patient on Sunday proved positive for the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu, the centre said.
China's health ministry notified Hong Kong of the case on Monday, it said, adding that it was seeking further information on the case.
With the latest fatality, at least 18 people have died of bird flu in China. Ten other patients recovered.
China's last fatal case was a 24-year-old man in the eastern province of Jiangsu who died in December.
