Bird Flu Outbreak in Cambodia: Nine Human Cases Confirmed Since Start of 2024

Strategic Insights -

A severe outbreak of H5N1 bird flu has been confirmed in southern Cambodia, with a 16-year-old girl recently diagnosed with the virus, bringing the total number of cases to nine this year. The patient is receiving intensive care after showing symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, and dyspnea. Health authorities are investigating the source of the infection and taking measures to prevent a potential outbreak in the community.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 16-year-old girl from Svay Rieng province is the ninth person to be diagnosed with H5N1 bird flu in Cambodia since the start of 2024, with eight of the cases being children.
  • The patient had direct contact with dead poultry and had cooked them for food four days before falling ill.
  • All nine human cases of H5N1 bird flu this year had a history of exposure to sick or dead poultry prior to their illness.
  • The Ministry of Health urges people not to eat ill or dead poultry, citing the virus's threat to public health, particularly children.
  • From 2003 to the present day, there were 71 cases of human infection with H5N1 influenza in Cambodia, including 42 deaths.
  • The National Institute of Public Health is working closely with health authorities to prevent an outbreak and contain the spread of the virus.

Statistics:

  • Nine human cases of H5N1 bird flu have been confirmed in Cambodia since the start of 2024.
  • Eight of the nine cases are children, and one death has been reported.
  • 71 cases of human infection with H5N1 influenza have been reported in Cambodia since 2003, including 42 deaths.
  • The patient is receiving intensive care, and health authorities are working to contain the outbreak.

Sources:

  • "Phnom Penh, . (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- ", August 4, 2024
  • Ministry of Health's statement, released Saturday midnight
  • National Institute of Public Health's laboratory results