4-year-old boy becomes Egypts 37th case

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   4-year-old boy becomes Egypt's 37th case with deadly bird flu strain 

The Associated Press 
Saturday, June 23, 2007 

CAIRO, Egypt: A 4-year-old boy has tested positive for bird flu, bringing to 37 the number of people in Egypt infected with the deadly virus strain, Egypt's official news agency reported Saturday.
The new case came from the southern Qena province, according to a statement from the Egyptian health ministry carried by MENA. The little boy was admitted to the hospital two days ago, it added.
"Initial investigation into the source of his infection indicate exposure to dead birds," the statement reported, saying the boy was receiving treatment and was in stable condition.
Of the 37 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 15 have been fatal.
Most of the fatalities have been women or girls whose families raise poultry in the backyards and who had daily contact with chickens or turkeys.
Egypt is one of the countries most affected by the H5N1 strain outside Asia, where the outbreak began. The country lies on a main route for migratory birds, which are believed to have brought the disease.
Also, experts link bird flu outbreaks in countries, such as Egypt, to a lack of financial resources and public awareness about the disease.
Bird flu has killed at least 191 people since it began ravaging Asian poultry stocks in 2003, according to World Health Organization.
The virus remains difficult for people to catch, but experts fear it could eventually mutate into a form that spreads more easily between humans, sparking a global pandemic that could kill millions.

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Guests Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Guest Group	Post Options Post Reply Quote Guests Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: 4-year-old boy becomes Egypts 37th case Posted: June 23 2007 at 1:28pm
	4-year-old boy becomes Egypt's 37th case with deadly bird flu strain The Associated Press Saturday, June 23, 2007 CAIRO, Egypt: A 4-year-old boy has tested positive for bird flu, bringing to 37 the number of people in Egypt infected with the deadly virus strain, Egypt's official news agency reported Saturday. The new case came from the southern Qena province, according to a statement from the Egyptian health ministry carried by MENA. The little boy was admitted to the hospital two days ago, it added. "Initial investigation into the source of his infection indicate exposure to dead birds," the statement reported, saying the boy was receiving treatment and was in stable condition. Of the 37 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 15 have been fatal. Most of the fatalities have been women or girls whose families raise poultry in the backyards and who had daily contact with chickens or turkeys. Egypt is one of the countries most affected by the H5N1 strain outside Asia, where the outbreak began. The country lies on a main route for migratory birds, which are believed to have brought the disease. Also, experts link bird flu outbreaks in countries, such as Egypt, to a lack of financial resources and public awareness about the disease. Bird flu has killed at least 191 people since it began ravaging Asian poultry stocks in 2003, according to World Health Organization. The virus remains difficult for people to catch, but experts fear it could eventually mutate into a form that spreads more easily between humans, sparking a global pandemic that could kill millions.