On Tuesday, November 29th, Egyptian authorities reported a new human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Meet Salseel District (in the Ad Daqahliyah Governorate). The patient started to develop the symptoms on November 16th and is currently in a critical condition. According to the latest information, the patient has been on contact with poultry.
From the beginning of 2011 until November 29th, authorities have confirmed 34 human cases of avian influenza (including 12 deaths). Most of the cases have been reported along the Nile River. Since 2006, 153 human H5N1 infections including 52 fatalities have been reported in Egypt. Symptoms of human infection by the H5N1 virus are high fever (typically over 38°C) as well as other flu-like symptoms including chills, headaches, nausea, etc. Patients may experience coughing, shortness of breath and pulmonary infiltrates.
Even though the risk of human infection is low, avoid contact with birds (poultry or wild bird market) and do not eat raw or undercook bird products (eggs and meat). The risk is higher for those having direct and close contact with poultry. If you develop the symptoms, consult immediately a doctor.
