NAMRU-3: Avian Flu in Egypt Reached High Risk Stage

By Mohamed Talaat el-Hawari 11/ 5/ 2009

The Map A report issued by the Third Medical Research Unit of the US navy (NAMRU-3) said Egypt is the most country infected with avian flu outside of Asia, despite control measures. The report, of which Al-Masry Al-Youm got a copy, said 71% of the infected patients received medical treatment within 3 days of the symptoms. It also said the government sent NAMRU-3 941 samples in February and March, of which 934 samples were under the Seasonal Influenza Control Program, and 7 samples to be examined for (H5 N1) and (HPAI). It pointed out that among the 63 confirmed cases recorded in Egypt between March 2006 and March 2009, there were 23 serious infections. The report used the term 'epidemic curve' when it addressed the evolution of the disease in Egypt, where the number jumped from 18 cases in 2006 to 12 cases in the first quarter of this year alone. It revealed that infections have increased among children less than 5 years of age and females between 10 and 39 years, pointing out that female infection reached 60%, a rate that is much greater than the global rates. It said Egypt ranked third in the global infection rate with a 14% infection rate as registered by the World Health Organization in March. Indonesia is ranked first with 34% and Vietnam second with 26%. The report also said the infection covered all of Egypt in 2007, when it was only in the Delta in 2006.