H5N1 avian influenza: First human case reported in Cambodia in 2014

After reporting 26 human H5N1 avian influenza cases in 2013, by far the most of any country, the Kingdom of Cambodia has announced their first case of the lethal bird flu on 2014, according to a Ministry of Health press release Feb. 4.  

H5N1 avian influenza
Image/CDC

The case is a 5-year-old boy from Chongda village, Tbaung Kropeur commune, Santuk district, Kampong Thom province who  presented with fever and headache on 24th January 2014.

His condition worsened and was admitted to Jayavarman VII Hospital, Siem Reap, on 30th January 2014. He was given Tamiflu the next day.

Testing by the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge confirmed the H5N1 avian influenza. He is currently is stable condition.

The investigation into the case revealed that some 200 chickens died suddenly in mid-January, which some chickens were prepared for food. In addition, the boy had exposure to the affected area.

This case represents the 48th human H5N1 avian influenza case in Cambodia since the first case was seen in 2005.

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