Avian flu: Iraq reports first death - investigates "non-poultry transmissions"
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Iraq has confirmed this week that at least one of three deaths reported in the second half of January that were suspected of being from avian flu was caused by the H5N1 virus. The case is being linked to infection in poultry. The source of the later infection, and death, of the girl's uncle is being investigated, as it appears not to be poultry-related, the World Health Organization is reporting. A third possible avian flu death is also being investigated. Preliminary laboratory confirmation was provided by a US Naval Medical Research Unit, located in Cairo, Egypt, and the UK's collaborating office is currently providing confirmation.