Results from a World Health Organization (WHO) reference laboratory in Japan have confirmed the second human case of bird flu H5N1 in Laos, according to a press release issued by the Lao Health Ministry on Friday.

"The Ministry of Health (of Laos) and the WHO announced last week that a sample, taken from a woman in Saka village in Vientiane province, who died on March 4, tested positive for H5 at the National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology. At the time, the case was considered a probable H5N1 infection since laboratory testing procedures and results met WHO guidelines and case definitions, said the release obtained by Xinhua.

Further investigations have shown that a healthy duck kept in the household of the woman tested positive for H5. Culling activities were completed in the village on March 15.

Hospital staff that treated the patient and close family contacts are being monitored daily. None have shown signs of infection.

The WHO and Laos have re-emphasized the importance of strengthening human and poultry surveillance and rapid reporting at all levels for early identification of suspected human cases and poultry outbreaks. They emphasize the need to employ precautionary measures.

Late last month, a 15-year-old Lao girl became the country's first bird flu patient.