Bird Flu Outbreak in Cambodia: 9 Confirmed Cases, 1 in Critical Condition

A 16-year-old girl from southeast Cambodia's Svay Rieng province has been confirmed to have the H5N1 bird flu, bringing the total number of cases to nine since the start of 2024. The girl, who lives in Chantrea district's Chamkar Leav village, is currently in a severe condition and receiving intensive care from a team of doctors. She is among eight children and one adult who have contracted the virus, all of whom had a history of exposure to sick or dead poultry prior to their illness. Health authorities are investigating the source of the infection and examining suspected cases to prevent an outbreak.

Key Takeaways:

• The 16-year-old girl was confirmed to have the H5N1 bird flu, bringing the total number of cases to nine since the start of 2024.
• The girl is in a severe condition and receiving intensive care from a team of doctors.
• All nine human cases of H5N1 bird flu so far this year, including eight children and one adult, had a history of exposure to sick or dead poultry prior to their illness.
• H5N1 influenza is a flu that normally spreads between sick poultry but can sometimes spread from poultry to humans.
• The Ministry of Health is urging people not to eat ill or dead poultry, as it still poses a threat to people's health, particularly children.
• Between 2003 and 2024, there were 71 cases of human infection with H5N1 influenza, including 42 deaths in Cambodia.

Statistics:

• 9 confirmed cases of H5N1 bird flu since the start of 2024
• 8 children and 1 adult have contracted the virus
• 71 cases of human infection with H5N1 influenza between 2003 and 2024
• 42 deaths from H5N1 influenza between 2003 and 2024
• The girl's symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, and dyspnea

Sources:

• "16-year-old girl confirmed to have H5N1 bird flu" (Ministry of Health's statement released Saturday midnight)
• "H5N1 influenza: A flu that normally spreads between sick poultry" (Ministry of Health's statement)
• Xinhua/NAN