Thirty-year-old Phung Minh Phuc, from Me Linh district in the northern mountainous province of Vinh Phuc, was admitted to the Bach Mai Hospital on May 15, with symptoms of coughing, high fever and respiratory difficulties.

His condition quickly deteriorated and he was placed on a respirator and a blood filter after being moved to the hospital on May 18.

On May 20 he was diagnosed with pneumonia and tested positive for the deadly H5N1 strain of avian influenza.

After 26 days of round the clock treatment and VND100 million (roughly US$6,250) in treatment costs, Mr Phuc tested negative for the virus and was later discharged.

Since November 2003, 312 people worldwide have contracted the H5N1 virus with 189 cases in 12 countries proving to be fatal. Vietnam alone recorded 95 cases of infection leading to 42 deaths.