Medical News Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 26, 2025 6 hours, 3 minutes ago
Medical News: In a heart-wrenching incident, a two-year-and-seven-month-old boy from Ta Ngak village in Prey Veng province has succumbed to the H5N1 avian influenza virus. This marks Cambodia's second fatality from the virus in 2025, underscoring the persistent threat it poses to public health.
Cambodian Toddler's Tragic Death Highlights Ongoing H5N1 Threat
A Devastating Loss
The young child developed symptoms including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Despite receiving intensive medical care, he passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Health officials noted that the severity of his condition was exacerbated by the delay in seeking medical attention. The family's proximity to their chicken farm, where approximately 15 chickens had recently died or fallen ill, is believed to be the source of the infection. The boy frequently played and slept near the chicken coop, increasing his exposure risk. Unfortunately, his parents delayed seeking medical attention, and by the time he was admitted to the hospital, his condition was severe. This
Medical News report highlights the importance of early medical intervention in such cases, as the child was already experiencing fever, cough, and severe breathing difficulties when brought in for treatment. Despite receiving intensive care, he succumbed to the virus on February 25, 2025.
Investigations and Preventive Measures
In response to this tragic event, health authorities are conducting thorough investigations to determine the exact source of the infection. They are also monitoring individuals who had contact with the deceased child to prevent a potential outbreak. The Ministry of Health has issued warnings to the public, advising against the consumption of sick or dead poultry and emphasizing the importance of vigilance, as avian influenza remains a significant health threat.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1055356919954404&set=pcb.1055356959954400
A Recurring Challenge
Cambodia has faced multiple instances of H5N1 infections over the years. Since 2003, the country has reported 74 human cases, resulting in 45 deaths. Notably, there was a resurgence of cases between February 2023 and August 2024, with 16 reported infections, 14 of which were linked to a novel reassortant A/H5N1 virus combining gene segments from clade 2.3.2.1c and clade 2.3.4.4b viruses. This emergence highlights the evolving nature of the virus and the continuous risk it poses.
Global Context
The H5N1 virus primarily spreads among sick poultry but can occasionally infect humans, leading to severe respiratory illnesses. Globally, from 2003 to December 2024, there have been 954 reported human cases across 24 countries, with a mortality rate of approximately 49%. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to monitor the situation closely, providing guidelines to help countries manage and mitigate the risks associated with
avian influenza.
Conclusion
This recent fatality serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by the H5N1 virus. It emphasizes the need for heightened awareness, prompt medical attention for suspected cases, and strict adherence to public health advisories to prevent further tragedies.
For the latest H5N1 News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/now-that-the-usda-has-found-h5n1-in-rats-they-can-also-focus-on-testing-mosquitoes-houseflies-beetles-and-cockroaches
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/canadian-researchers-discover-new-h5n1-bird-flu-strains-resistant-to-oseltamivir-tamiflu
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/minnesota-declares-emergency-as-multiple-avian-viruses-devastate-farms
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/h5n1-avian-flu
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