# 2951
March has been a busy month for Human H5N1 infections in Egypt, with their 9th case of the year confirmed last Thursday. Egypt has seen more cases in the first 90 days of this year than they saw in all of 2008 (8 cases, with 4 fatalities).
The good news is, so far at least, all of the confirmed cases have recovered.
We continue to see new news reports of suspect cases being tested. Nothing unusual about that, of course. Over the past three years thousands of people have been tested for the virus in that country.
Despite all of this testing, however, only 60 people have tested positive for the virus.
For that reason, I tend not to mention `suspect’ cases in Egypt until we get something more definitive.
Nevertheless, we watch these reports with interest.
One report, yesterday, indicated a possible bird flu fatality – that of a 45 day old infant.
This case appears unconfirmed as yet. I mention it because it has been posted on a number of the flu forums.
Tests are pending. If positive, we should hear in the next couple of days. This is just one of several news reports on suspect cases this weekend.
When we know more, I’ll post on it.
The H5N1 bird flu virus is endemic in Egypt, with well over 1,000 outbreaks reported in poultry since the virus was first detected there in 2006.
Unlike most other countries battling bird flu, Egypt does not have a compensation program for farmers who lose birds due to culling. As a result, many people are reluctant cooperate and notify authorities if their birds sicken or die.
An interactive map, showing human cases and poultry outbreaks for 2008-2009 can be viewed by clicking the image below.
One of the best web resources for information regarding Egypt’s bird flu situation is the SAIDR home page: Strengthening Avian Influenza Detection and Response in Egypt
