FACTBOX-WHO figures for bird flu cases in humans

Jan 19 (Reuters) - The World Health Organisation confirmed
on Monday the death of a 27-year-old Chinese woman on Jan. 17
after she developed symptoms of the H5N1 strain of bird flu on
Jan. 5.

Of the 34 cases confirmed to date in China, 22 have been
fatal.

There have been 249 human deaths globally from the H5N1
strain and 397 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
BANGLADESH 0 1
CAMBODIA 7 8
CHINA 22 34
DJIBOUTI 0 1
EGYPT 23 52
INDONESIA 113 139
IRAQ 2 3
LAOS 2 2
MYANMAR 0 1
NIGERIA 1 1
PAKISTAN 1 3
THAILAND 17 25
TURKEY 4 12
VIETNAM 52 107
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TOTAL 249 397
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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, London Editorial Reference Unit)