Two Persons Infected by Avian Flu Virus in China

Two Persons Infected by Avian Flu Virus in China
(AFP/Getty Images)
2/27/2006
Updated:
2/27/2006

According to China’s Ministry of Health, two females, a 9-year-old student and a 26-year-old farmer from Zhejiang and Anhui provinces respectively, were confirmed to be infected with the avian flu virus.

The 9-year-old student is a resident in Anji County, Zhejiang Province. Her onset began on February 10, displaying fever and pneumonia-like symptoms.

Based on investigations, the girl had visited her relatives in Guangde County, Anhui Province, twice before she was infected. During her visit, there were incidents of chickens dying from bird flu at her relatives’ home. The cause of the girl’s infection is under further investigation. Currently, the patient is in critical condition and under emergency care.

The second patient is a resident of Yingshang County, Anhui Province. Her onset began on February 11, with the same symptoms as the first patient.

Investigations reveal that the second female had contact with chickens that died of avian flu. The Chinese Department of Agriculture has detected and isolated the H5N1 strain of avian flu virus from the local dead chickens.

A team of experts from China’s Health Ministry determined that in both cases, the patients were infected by avian flu virus.