Second Human Bird Flu Infection Found
Mam Bunheng, Minister of Health of Cambodia
- By Teng Yalirozy
- February 24, 2023 10:05 PM
PHNOM PENH – A second human H5N1 case has been found, this time the father of a deceased 11-year-old girl, increasing alarm at a possible bird flu outbreak.
The girl from Prey Veng province died on Feb. 22 after being ill for six days. The Health Ministry took samples from 12 people who had direct contact with her.
The girl’s father, 49, tested positive but has not developed symptoms.
It is the second case in this month and the 58th case after nine years.
Cambodia declared H5N1 a disease in 2005. The last human case was reported in 2014.
Of these, 45 cases were of children under 14 and 32 were females. Only 19 victims survived the nine-year H5N1 outbreak.
The emergency response team of the ministry has been investigating the H5N1 outbreak and seeking people who have been in direct contact with the victims or poultry to prevent further infection.
The team is also organizing a campaign to inform and educate the community about health safety after the re-emergence of the disease.
Health Minister Mam Bunheng reminded people to continue to be careful, especially children who play and feed poultry and come in contact with birds.
“Parents, guardians and caregivers should make sure that children wash their hands often with soap and water before and after eating and after contact with poultry,” he said.
For up-to-date information, contact the Ministry of Health at 115 or 012 488 981/012 836 868.
