21 March 2015 | The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of an additional 17 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1). 

With these new cases, the total number of avian influenza A (H5N1) cases in Egypt stands at 116, including 36 deaths for the period of 1 January to 17 March 2015. Since it was first reported in March 2006, a total of 318 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1), including 112 related deaths (case–fatality rate = 35.2%) have been reported in Egypt.

 Among these newly reported human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1), 11 cases were female and six cases were male. These human cases are reported from the governorates of Sharkia, Behera, Giza, Qaluobia, Menia, Qena, Dakahlia and Kafr Alshekh. 

From 8 to 12 March 2015, a joint high-level mission was conducted in Egypt comprising of representatives of WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, World Organisation for Animal Health, US Naval Medical Unit-3 and UNICEF on the current H5N1 situation in Egypt and understand the current and future risks of transmission of the currently circulating avian influenza viruses. The mission reviewed the effectiveness of the recent and ongoing disease control measures implemented by both the human and animal health sectors, as well as assessed gaps in disease control policies and strategies. Recommendations were presented to the Ministry of Health and Population following conclusion of the mission. 

Table 1. Cumulative number of laboratory-confirmed human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1) reported to WHO, 2006–2015 

Total number of cases includes number of deaths.
WHO reports only laboratory-confirmed cases.

Related links

Avian influenza A (H5N1) situation update, 14 March 2015

Influenza at the human-animal interface, monthly risk assessment summary, 3 March 2015