Medical Update-Feb 2008
With another recent confirmed case of Avian flu in China, we present to you an update of the situation.
Avian influenza – China
The Ministry of Health in China has reported a new case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus.
A 22-year old male from Jianghua County, Yongzhou Prefecture, Hunan Province, developed symptoms on 16
Jan 2008 and died on 24 Jan. Investigations into the source of his infection are ongoing.
The previous 2 confirmed cases were a 24-year old male and his father from Jiangsu Province. The young man
developed symptoms on 24 Nov 2007 and died on 2 Dec. His father developed symptoms on 3 Dec, and was
hospitalized for treatment. All other close contacts placed under medical observation remained well.
Of the 28 cases confirmed to date in China, 18 have been fatal.
Avian influenza – Vietnam
A 40 -year old male from Gia Loc district, Hai Duong province, developed symptoms on 2 Feb 2008 and died
on 13 Feb. The case had contact with sick and dead poultry prior to his illness.
Of the 103 cases confirmed to date in Vietnam, 49 have been fatal.
Avian influenza – Indonesia
A 15-year-old female from West Jakarta, Jakarta Province developed symptoms on 2 Feb 2008, and is now
critically ill. The case is the daughter of a previously confirmed case, a 38-year-old female who developed
symptoms on 23 Jan.
Of the 127 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 103 have been fatal.
Other disease outbreaks in the last 3 months:
1. Yellow fever in Brazil
As of 1 Feb 2008, the Ministry of Health, Brazil has reported a total of 48 cases of yellow fever including 13
deaths. The first confirmed case was on 17 Dec 2007.
2. Yellow fever in Paraguay
7 cases of jungle yellow fever were confirmed, with an additional of 4 suspected cases.
3. End of Ebola outbreak in Uganda
The last person to be infected by the virus was discharged on 8 Jan 2008. This is more than double the
maximum incubation period (42 days) for Ebola.
The SingHealth Team