Minya man dies from bird flu, fourth fatality this week

The Ministry of Health confirmed on Wednesday that a young man from the central Egyptian governorate of Minya died as a result of the H5N1 strain of the avian flu virus.

This case raises the total number of fatalities to four in just one week, while seven are officially reported to have died this year from the virus. A total of 14 individuals have reportedly tested positive for the bird flu this year – primarily women from rural parts of the country involved in breeding, raising or handling poultry.

Wednesday’s fatality was reported after the 26-year-old Minya resident was admitted to hospital suffering from symptoms including shortness of breath, coughing and fever.

According to the Ministry of Health’s website, nationwide efforts are underway in coordination with veterinarians to raise awareness regarding the life-threatening virus and to counter is spread from poultry to humans.

The ministry claims that Egypt’s mortality rate among those infected with the virus is less than 40 percent – a figure the Health Ministry points out is well below the global fatality rate associated with this virus, around 55 percent.

The avian flu virus was first reported in Egypt in 2006. According to the ministry's statistics just over 180 individuals nationwide have been infected, the majority of whom have survived.    

The ministry has set up a hotline number – 105 – to respond to questions and concerns regarding the avian flu and the means by which to avoid its spread.