China reported its fourth human death from the H5N1 bird flu virus this month on Saturday, this time in the far northwest region of Xinjiang.

 There have been 252 human deaths globally from the H5N1
strain and 399 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                         23              34
 DJIBOUTI                       0               1
 EGYPT                         23              52
 INDONESIA                    115             141
 IRAQ                           2               3
 LAOS                           2               2
 MYANMAR                        0               1
 NIGERIA                        1               1
 PAKISTAN                       1               3
 THAILAND                      17              25
 TURKEY                         4              12
 VIETNAM                       52             107
 -------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL                        252             399
 -------------------------------------------------

 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.