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The Ministry of Health in Indonesia has confirmed an
additional case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The
case occurred in a 29-year-old woman who worked as a midwife at the maternity
ward in a Jakarta hospital. She developed symptoms on 31 December, was
hospitalized on 2 January, and died on 11 January.
Investigations conducted by the Ministry of Health and WHO
found evidence of poultry deaths in her neighbourhood
in the two weeks prior to onset of illness. Other findings indicate that the
patient visited a live-bird market to select and purchase freshly slaughtered
chicken in the days immediately prior to symptom onset. Investigations at
these sites are continuing.
The possibility that the patient acquired her infection
from an occupational exposure is considered unlikely. Investigations
conducted today reveal that none of her co-workers was ill prior to the start
of her illness. According to hospital records, no patients in the ward where
she worked showed signs of influenza-like illness while hospitalized.
Contact tracing has been extensive for this case as the
woman worked two shifts at the hospital at the time of symptom onset. At this
stage, there is no evidence that she transmitted the infection to any
patients under her care or to colleagues at the hospital. Similarly, there
are no signs of illness in family members or neighbours.
Health monitoring of contacts will continue until the maximum incubation
period has ended.
The newly confirmed case is the 17th in Indonesia and the
12th fatality.
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