Cambodia Confirms Seventh Human Case of H5N1 Bird Flu in 2024

Phnom Penh authorities have confirmed a seventh human case of H5N1 bird flu in 2024, a 5-year-old girl from southern Cambodia's Takeo province. The patient exhibited symptoms of fever and had direct contact with dead chickens, which were consumed by her family. This incident highlights the ongoing threat of bird flu to human health, particularly among children.

Key Takeaways:

• The seventh human case of H5N1 bird flu in 2024 was confirmed in a 5-year-old girl from Takeo province, southern Cambodia.
• The patient's symptoms included fever, and she had direct contact with dead chickens, which were cooked and consumed by her family.
• Of the seven human cases of H5N1 bird flu this year, six were children, with one death, and one adult.
• All patients had a history of recent exposure to sick or dead poultry prior to their illness.
• H5N1 influenza primarily spreads between sick poultry but can sometimes be transmitted to humans.
• Symptoms of the virus include fever, cough, runny nose, and severe respiratory illness.
• The Ministry of Health urges people not to eat ill or dead poultry and continues to monitor the situation.
• There were 69 cases of human infection with H5N1 influenza in Cambodia from 2003 to 2024, resulting in 42 deaths.

Statistics:

• 7 human cases of H5N1 bird flu confirmed in 2024 as of July 8.
• 6 children have been infected, with 1 death, and 1 adult.
• 69 cases of human infection with H5N1 influenza in Cambodia from 2003 to 2024.
• 42 deaths attributed to H5N1 influenza in Cambodia from 2003 to 2024.

Sources:

• Ministry of Health, Cambodia
• COMTEX (July 8, 2024)
• XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (Copyright 2024)