September 16, 2005

Indonesia confirms fourth bird flu death, suspects another case

Indonesia has confirmed on Sep 16 its fourth death from bird flu, after another round of testing showed that a woman who died last week in Jakarta was infected with the virus.

Health officials also revealed that another person is suspected of having the virus.

The earlier victim, a 37-year-old woman whose occupation involves dealing with immigration documents, died at a private hospital on Sep 10 after being admitted on Sep 6 for pneumonia and flu-like respiratory problems.

The victim lived in south Jakarta near a chicken farm, although health officials did not say how she might have caught the virus.

Blood samples sent to Hong Kong for testing came back confirmative.

Indonesian Health Minister Siti Fadilah Supari added that a person who had close contact with the victim is also suspected of contracting the virus, although the individual is still in good health.

There have been positive signs on infection but more testing is needed to confirm the case, Supari said.

Blood samples would now be sent to Hong Kong for testing, she added, declining to give more details on the new case.