Two more bird flu cases reported from Cambodia, brings total to five for 2013
In a follow-up to a story Friday, the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Cambodia announced Tuesday that two new cases of avian influenza, the fourth and fifth, has been confirmed positive for the H5N1 virus. This brings the total cases to five for 2013, according to a Joint news release of the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Cambodia and World Health Organization (WHO) Jan. 29.
According to the release, The fourth case is a 17-month-old girl from Prey Nheat village, Prey Nheat commune, Kong Pisey district in Kampong Speu province has been diagnosed with H5N1 influenza on 26th January 2013 by Institut Pasteur du Cambodge. She developed symptoms on 13th January 2013 with fever, cough, runny nose, and vomiting. She was initially treated by local private practitioners. Her condition worsened and she was admitted to Kantha Bopha Hospital on 17th January with fever, cough, somnolence, and dyspnoea. Unfortunately, despite intensive medical care, she died on 28th January.
In the fifth case, a 9-year-old girl from Thmei village, Thmei commune, Toeuk Chhou district, Kampot province has been diagnosed with H5N1 influenza on 28th January 2013 by Institut Pasteur du Cambodge. She became sick on 19th January, 2013 suffering with fever and cough. She was initially treated by local private practitioners. Her condition worsened and she was admitted to Kantha Bopha Hospital with fever cough, somnolence and dyspnoea on 27th January. Despite intensive medical care, the patient died on 28th January.
In both newly reported cases, there is evidence of recent deaths among poultry in their respective villages. The investigation into the case of the girl from Prey Nheat village reveals she had history of coming into contact with poultry prior to becoming sick.
These girls represent the 25th and 26th person in Cambodia to become infected with H5N1 virus, and the fourth and fifth person this year.
Of the 26 confirmed cases reported in the Kingdom, 23 resulted in death. Of all the twenty six cases, 17 were children under 14, and seventeen of the twenty six confirmed cases occurred in females.
Globally since 2003, there have been 615 laboratory confirmed cases of avian influenza with 364 related deaths.
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