Indonesia Confirms Case Of Human Death From Bird Flu

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia announced today a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus.

AsianScientist (May 13, 2011) – The Ministry of Health of Indonesia announced today a confirmed case of human infection with the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus.

An 8-year-old female from West Jakarta district, DKI Jakarta Province developed symptoms on April 1, was admitted to a health care facility on April 4, and was referred to a hospital on April 8. She died on April 11.

Epidemiological investigation identified a possible risk factor as exposure to wild bird feces found around the house. In addition, during the week before the child developed symptoms, her mother purchased chickens from a local market.

Laboratory tests have confirmed infection with the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. Of the 177 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 146 have been fatal.

Last month, a five-year old Cambodian girl died from the same virus.

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Source: World Health Organization.
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