FACTBOX-WHO figures for bird flu cases in humans

Wed Dec 17, 2008 10:13am GMT

Dec 17 (Reuters) - The WHO confirmed on Tuesday the death of a 16-year-old Egyptian female who died of the H5N1 strain of bird flu the day before.

Of the 51 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 23 have been fatal.

There have been 247 human deaths globally from the H5N1 strain and 391 confirmed cases of infection since 2003, according to WHO data.

Following is a list of confirmed human cases of H5N1. Total cases include survivors.



Deaths Total cases AZERBAIJAN 5 8 BANGLADESH 0 1 CAMBODIA 7 8 CHINA 20 30 DJIBOUTI 0 1 EGYPT 23 51 INDONESIA 113 139 IRAQ 2 3 LAOS 2 2 MYANMAR 0 1 NIGERIA 1 1 PAKISTAN 1 3 THAILAND 17 25 TURKEY 4 12 VIETNAM 52 106 ------------------------------------------------- TOTAL 247 391 -------------------------------------------------

The H5N1 virus remains mainly a bird virus. Experts are monitoring it for signs of mutation into a form easily transmitted from person to person, a development which could trigger a deadly pandemic.

So far, most human cases can be traced to direct or indirect contact with infected birds.

Initial tests usually take a day or two to confirm if someone has H5N1. More detailed testing by government laboratories or those affiliated with the WHO can take a week or more. (Writing by David Cutler, London Editorial Reference Unit)

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