Indonesia reports ninth human ‘bird flu’ death of 2012
H5N1 Avian Influenza
Image/CDC
A 4-year-old West Java boy is the latest case of human avian influenza H5N1 detected in 2012, according to a FluTrackers report Dec. 14.
According to the timeline from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, the boy is a resident of Kampung Nagreg, Gorowong Village, District Parung Panjang, Bogor regency, West Java.
The child exhibited symptoms of fever on 20 Nov 2012, and on 1 Dec 2012 the case was moved to Pustu. On 4 Dec 2012 there was no change in the condition of the case when seen by a private doctor. On the morning of 5 Dec 2012 the case went to a health centre and in the afternoon was referred to the Private RSIA for hospitalization.
On 6 Dec 2012 the case was referred to the Tangerang District Hospital because of onset of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The condition of the patient worsened and the child eventually died at 23:40hr.
Epidemiological investigations have been conducted by the hospital and the other agencies involved including a possible risk factor of direct contact with poultry carcasses, including possible exposure to entog (ducks) in the neighborhood.
This case represents the ninth case and fatality from avian influenza H5N1 in Indonesia this year. In addition, this is the first human case detected globally since late July, which involved a man from Yogyakarta province on Java, Indonesia.
Since 2003, the total number of human influenza A(H5N1) cases in Indonesia is now 192 with 160 fatalities.
Official confirmation by the World Health Organization (WHO) is pending. When confirmed, it will be the 31st case in 2012.
According to the WHO, the primary risk factor for human infection with the virus appears to be direct or indirect exposure to infected live or dead poultry or contaminated environments.
They go on to say there is no evidence to suggest that the H5N1 virus can be transmitted to humans through properly prepared poultry or eggs. A few human cases have been linked to consumption of dishes made of raw, contaminated poultry blood. However, slaughter, defeathering, handling carcasses of infected poultry, and preparing poultry for consumption, especially in household settings, are likely to be risk factors.
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