Ukmedix has learnt of another death from the deadly bird flu in Egypt. The victim was a 75 year old woman and represents the 6th death from the illness in Egypt according to WHO statistics. The case was reported in the South of Egypt and it was confirmed by the government that the woman had had direct contact with infected chickens and birds.

The Tamiflu drug was administered to the woman but it was too late for it to have any effect in arresting the disease and preventing the death of the woman. Tamiflu must be given to patients within 48 hours of getting the flu symptoms for it to be effective and useful.

The World Health Organisation said that thirteen people had actually been infected with the H5N1 virus and of these 6 had died.  The WHO also said that the Egyptian health authorities had handled the outbreaks of the disease well and this had definitely saved lives.

Tamiflu is not an actual bird flu vaccine and extensive testing on the drug in a pandemic situation is not yet available but according to the WHO it represents the best chance of preventing the bird flu virus from spreading and also in stopping people with the H5N1 virus from succumbing to the disease.

Tamiflu is made by Roche Pharmaceuticals.