Via the Khmer Times: 2nd case of H5N1 bird flu in Cambodia confirmed. Excerpt:
The Ministry of Health has just issued a statement confirming the discovery of a second case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in Prey Veng province – the father of an 11 year old girl who died from the virus on Wednesday
The outbreak is centred around Roleang village, Romlech commune, Sithor Kandal district, Prey Veng province.
The Ministry says that after the girl’s death, the emergency research work team of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with local authorities and Prey Veng Provincial Health Department, together with health partners, arrived at the village immediately on February 23, 2023.
The emergency response team collected samples from 12 people. One of the 12 samples – taken from a 49-year-old man living in Roleang village – has been confirmed as positive.
The Ministry of Health states that the virus was not previously found in humans for the past 9 years in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
The emergency response team has been investigating the outbreak of the H5N1 virus and is responding to national procedures, and has been working with the emergency response team, human and veterinary vets, to find the source of the infection.
Animals and humans will continue to be tested for suspected cases to prevent transmission to others in the community in the village where the incident occurred.
Public health expert Dr Quach Mengly said the disease has symptoms similar to a cold, cough, and fever and is highly life-threatening without treatment.
“To prevent the infection, please avoid touching and eating sick and dead animals,” he said. “Bury the dead animals properly, and wash your hands properly after that.”
