WHO says two more human cases of bird flu confirmed in Indonesia

The ministry of health in Indonesia has confirmed two additional cases of human infection with H5N1 bird flu virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Monday.

The first newly confirmed case was a 19-year-old woman from Tangerang, near Jakarta, who developed symptoms on Oct. 19, was admitted to hospital on Oct. 26, and died on Oct. 28, the United Nations agency said in a statement.

The second case is her 8-year-old brother. He developed symptoms on Oct. 25 and remains hospitalized in good condition.

Field investigation has found evidence of sick and dying chickens in the residential area of the 8-year-old, and his 19- year-old sister is known to have visited this area, said WHO.

Final results from an ongoing investigation by the ministry of agriculture are pending.

To date, Indonesia has confirmed 9 cases of human H5N1 infection of which 5 have been fatal.

Source: Xinhua