FACTBOX-WHO figures for bird flu cases in humans
March 5 (Reuters) - The World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed the death of a 25-year-old Egyptian woman from the H5N1 bird flu virus.
The woman, from Fayoum province southwest of Cairo, was the 20th death in Egypt from the disease since the deadly virus arrived in the country in early 2006.
There have been 235 human deaths globally from the H5N1 strain and 370 confirmed cases of infection since 2003, according to WHO data.
Following is a list of confirmed human cases of H5N1. Total cases include survivors.
Deaths Total cases AZERBAIJAN 5 8 CAMBODIA 7 7 CHINA 20 30 DJIBOUTI 0 1 EGYPT 20 45 INDONESIA 105 129 IRAQ 2 3 LAOS 2 2 MYANMAR 0 1 NIGERIA 1 1 PAKISTAN 1 1 THAILAND 17 25 TURKEY 4 12 VIETNAM 51 105 ------------------------------------------------- TOTAL 235 370 -------------------------------------------------
The H5N1 virus remains mainly a bird virus. Experts are monitoring it for signs of mutation into a form easily transmitted from person to person, a development which could trigger a deadly pandemic.
So far, most human cases can be traced to direct or indirect contact with infected birds.
Initial tests usually take a day or two to confirm if someone has H5N1. More detailed testing by government laboratories or those affiliated with the WHO can take a week or more. (Writing by David Cutler and Keith Weir, London Editorial Reference Unit)
