Commentary
Another
H5N1 Fatality in South Jakarta Indonesia
Recombinomics Commentary
22:30
March 4, 2009
The above translation describes another recently confirmed H5N1 case from South Jakarta in a densely populated neighborhood (see updated map) about 5 miles from the recently confirmed case in Tangerang. Neither of these cases was included in the four recently confirmed cases from late January / early February or the two most recent suspect cases, described in local and wire service reports, although the above case died February 2 and was confirmed February 13.
This case again raises concerns that a large number of fatal H5N1 cases, in addition to milder cases who recover, are not being reported in a timely manner if at all. The recent report from the MOH described cases that had died over a month ago, and WHO has yet to issue a situation update of these four earlier cases. The above case and the confirmed Tangerang case, along with the two suspect case may be reported at a future date, but two have already been confirmed and all were fatal.
The lack of transparency and the delayed reports of lab confirmed cases in Indonesia in general and in the Jakarta area in particular continue to cause concern.
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