Shocking Surge: Cambodia Confirms New H5N1 Bird Flu Case as Total Infections Skyrocket to 8
Eight Human Cases of H5N1 Bird Flu Confirmed in Cambodia This Year
Shillong, August 2: A four-year-old boy from southeast Cambodia’s Svay Rieng province has been confirmed as the latest case of H5N1 bird flu, marking the eighth human infection in the country since the start of 2024, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health.
“Laboratory results from the National Institute of Public Health showed on Tuesday that the boy tested positive for the H5N1 virus,” read the official communiqué.
Residing in Chhrong Popeal village, Romeas Haek district, the young patient exhibited symptoms including fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and drowsiness. Fortunately, he is now recovering after receiving intensive care from a medical team, reported Xinhua news agency.
Investigations revealed that roughly 12 days before falling ill, numerous chickens and ducks in the boy’s village and household had died. His family reportedly cooked and consumed the dead poultry, with the child having direct contact with them, which is believed to be the source of his infection.
Health authorities are currently probing the infection’s origin and are vigilantly monitoring suspected cases and individuals who had close contact with the patient, aiming to prevent a potential community outbreak.
Since the beginning of the year, Cambodia has documented seven children and one adult infected with H5N1, with one child succumbing to the illness. All the infected individuals had a recent history of exposure to sick or dead poultry.
H5N1 influenza primarily spreads among sick poultry but can occasionally jump to humans. Symptoms span fever, cough, runny nose, and severe respiratory issues.
The Ministry of Health stressed that bird flu continues to pose a significant health risk, especially to children. Officials urged the public to avoid consuming ill or dead poultry. Historical data indicates that from 2003 to present, Cambodia has recorded 70 human cases of H5N1 infection, including 42 fatalities.
The continued vigilance and preventive measures are crucial to mitigate future outbreaks and protect public health.
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/08/02/cambodia-reports-fresh-h5n1-bird-flu-case-total-infections-mount-to-8/
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