Avian influenza A(H5N1) situation update, Egypt, September 2016

356 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) were reported in Egypt between 9 March 2006 and 30 September 2016. Of these cases, 121 were fatal (case–fatality rate: 34%). The country has been reporting sporadic cases since the beginning of 2016. A total of 10 cases were reported during the period from 1 January 2016 to 30 September 2016, including 4 deaths (case–fatality rate: 40%). The last case was reported on 28 July 2016.
Among the reported cases in 2014 up until 30 September 2016 (n=183), the majority of cases were female (60%). The death rate was almost similar among both male and female cases. Children in the under-5 year age group (30%) and those in the age group of 30 to 45 years (31%) were most at risk of acquiring the infection. The case–fatality rate was observed to have increased with age. Children in the under-5 year age group had the lowest case–fatality rate (12%), while it was the highest among those in the age group of more than 45 years.
There is significant variation in the death rate between those who received antiviral treatment within 48 hours of onset of symptoms compared to those who received antiviral treatment after 48 hours (17% versus 34%).