Outbreak News - Avian Influenza, Indonesia - Update

Number 23

WHO Weekly Epidemiological Record, Vol. 81, No. 42, 2006

On 16 October 2006, the Ministry of Health in Indonesia confirmed three additional cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. All three cases were fatal.

The first newly confirmed cases, a 67-year-old woman from West Java Province, developed symptoms on 3 October, was hospitalized on 7 October and died on 15 October. Diagnosis was complicated
by the presence of chronic diseases. Chickens had reportedly died in her household and neighbourhood prior to symptom onset.

The second case, an 11-year-old male from South Jakarta (Jakarta Province), developed symptoms on 2 October, was hospitalized on 5 October and died on 14 October. His recent history included exposure to dead chickens in his neighbourhood.

The third case, a 27-year-old female from Central Java Province, developed symptoms on 8 October, was hospitalized on 12 October and died on 13 October. The source of her exposure is currently under investigation.

Of the 72 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 55 have been fatal.