The Egyptian Ministry of Health (MOH) reported the 2nd and 3rd human H5N1 avian influenza cases of the year from Minya governorate. This follows the 29 cases reported in 2014, where the majority of the cases occurred in November and December.

H5N1 avian influenza Image/Cynthia Goldsmith/ Jackie Katz
H5N1 avian influenza
Image/Cynthia Goldsmith/ Jackie Katz

According to an MOH statement (computer translated), the first case is a 30-year-old man of Bani Mazar Department. He was suffering from a fever, sore throat and cough, and sought treatment on 12/31/2014 when he was admitted to Bani Mazar hospital. Chest X-rays revealed that he had pneumonia. he tested positive for H5N1 bird flu virus on Saturday.His condition is described as stable.

The second case is a child age of 11 years from Megaga Department, where he was suffering from a fever, sore throat went to Megaga Hospital for treatment. The boy was isolated on Thursday and x-rays on the chest revealed he was suffering from pneumonia. He tested positive for H5N1 bird flu virus on Saturday and the general situation is critical for the patient was transferred to the Abbasid Fever Hospital.

In addition, a 3-year-old child from Giza governorate who was diagnosed in December died as a result of the lethal bird virus.

Health Ministry officials report that the three cases identified in 2015 are all undergoing treatment. In 2014, 29 cases were identified, including 14 cases recovering, and 3 cases under treatment, and 12 deaths.

Related: China reports 1st H7N9 avian flu case of 2015