Indonesia confirms three more cases of bird flu

The Ministry of Health in Indonesia has confirmed an additional three cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. All three cases were fatal.

The first newly confirmed case occurred in a 67-year-old woman from West Java Province. She developed symptoms on 3 October, was hospitalized on 7 October, and died on 15 October. Diagnosis was complicated by the presence of chronic diseases. Chickens reportedly died in her household and neighbourhood prior to symptom onset.

The second case was an 11-year-old male from South Jakarta, Jakarta Province. He developed symptoms on 2 October, was hospitalized on 5 October, and died on 14 October. His recent history included exposure to dead chickens in his neighbourhood.

The third case was a 27-year-old female from Central Java Province. She developed symptoms on 8 October, was hospitalized on 12 October, and died on 13 October. The source of her exposure is currently under investigation.

Of the 72 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 55 have been fatal.