# 3370
So far, most of the human H5N1 infections we’ve heard about in 2009 have come out of Egypt. In January, we saw 8 cases in China, and expected to see more . . . but we heard no more after that.
Indonesia, long the hotspot for human cases, hasn’t reported a case since 2008. The WHO’s case count has remained static since Health Minister Supari released the last figures, in January.
Of course, we’ve heard plenty of news stories about human cases, and deaths. But the Indonesian government has shown no inclination to officially acknowledge these cases.
The Bird Flu Information Corner – which is a joint endeavor between Kobe University in Japan and the Institute of Tropical Disease, Airlangga University, Indonesia – are keeping their eyes on the bird flu situation even as the rest of the world has swine flu on their minds.
This case, just like the others we’ve seen over the past 6 months, isn’t official until the Indonesian government says its official. So, for now at least, this is a `suspect case’.
South Jakarta ::: A 5-year-old child dies of bird flu infection
June 20, 2009
Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta – Bird flu virus killed another victim in South Jakarta. A 5-year-old child victim, RA, resident of RT 07/03 Kel. Tegal Parang, died on early Friday (19/6).
Since 2005 until now, avian influenza H5N1 or bird flu virus has killed 11 victims from total 13 cases in South Jakarta.
Head of Livestock and Marine Subservice of South Jakarta, Chaidir Taufik said, RA was reported had been returned from his relatives in Sukabumi, West Java and then visited the other relatives in Pejaten Barat South Jakarta. During the stay in Sukabumi, numbers of chickens were reported suddenly died.
After returned from Pejaten Barat, the victim, the youngest of two siblings, experienced high fever in the next day (Monday, 8/6), and has received antipyretic drug from a health worker.
“Victim had improved once, but the fever came back on Saturday (13/6). Victim was then admitted to Triadapa hospital”, said Chaidir, Saturday (20/6).
Tegal Parang chieftain, Abdul Khalit added, after further examination at Triadapa hospital, victim was then allowed to return home. Three days after, the condition went worsen, accompanied with breathing difficulty. Victim was then rushed to Triadapa hospital again. Chest x-ray revealed liquid accumulation in the lung which suggested caused by bird flu infection.
“After being treated for 2 days, Triadapa hospital referred RA to Persahabatan hospital on Thursday (18/6). But the child passed away 4 hours after admission, or in early Friday. The body has been burried in Pejaten Barat public cemetary”, said vice chieftain of Tegal Parang, Gita Puspitasari.
After the fatality of RA, Livestock and Marine Subservice South Jakarta subsequently conducted bird sweeping around victim’s neighborhood.
