September 4, 2006

Egypt reports new bird flu case

The Egyptian Agriculture Ministry on Sunday (Sep 3) confirmed a new case of H5N1 bird flu among fowl in Sohag Governorate, some 400 km south of Cairo, the official MENA news agency reported.

The ministry said samples taken from birds in various villages and farms in Sohag were tested positive for the deadly virus.

This case follows that of Jul 5 when Egypt reported the last case after the outbreak of the epidemic on Feb 17.

Measures have been taken to cull birds in surrounding areas, according to the statement.

The ministry has also taken samples from some 20 people who were in close contact with infected birds.

Egypt found the first bird flu case in dead poultry on Feb 17, and the virus then spread to 20 of the country's 26 governorates.

The country reported its first human bird flu case on Mar 18. Since then, it has reported 14 human cases.