WHO Announces 50th Bird Flu Case In Egypt

Cairo, Egypt (AHN) - The World Health Organization reported on Thursday that Egypt has discovered the 50th human case of the deadly bird flu virus. According to the WHO, a two-year-old boy was hospitalized earlier in the week with symptoms similar to the H5N1 virus.

Two laboratories confirmed it was avian flu. The official news agency MENA said the boy was in stable condition, but did not elaborate.

Egypt is one of the hardest hit nations outside East Asia where the virus originated due to its proximity to Asia, Europe and Africa. Migratory birds flock through Egypt annually, which many experts believe have helped spread the disease in the North African nation.

Another reason for the devastation on the human population in the country is that many people have disregarded the health ministry's attempts to educate the people on how to avoid the disease.

According to the WHO there have been 22 deaths as a result of the H5N1 strain of the avian flu since it was first discovered in Egypt in March 2006.