Second case of H5N1 in a month in Cambodia brings total cases for 2024 to nine, actual numbers could be much higher!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 05, 2024 4 months, 1 week, 5 days, 20 hours, 19 minutes ago
H5N1 News: A 16-Year-Old Girl Confirmed as Latest Case
Cambodia is grappling with an increasing number of H5N1 bird flu cases, with the latest patient being a 16-year-old girl from the southeastern province of Svay Rieng. This case, confirmed by the National Institute of Public Health on Saturday, brings the total number of cases to nine since the beginning of 2024.
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Second case of H5N1 in a month in Cambodia brings total cases for 2024 to nine
The girl, who resides in Chamkar Leav village, Chantrea district, is currently in severe condition and receiving intensive care.
Symptoms and Initial Investigations
The Ministry of Health's statement revealed that the girl exhibited symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. Investigations showed that around four days before falling ill, the girl had direct contact with dead poultry, which her family had cooked for food. Nine chickens and ducks had died in the village and at her house, pointing towards a potential source of infection.
Response and Containment Measures
In response to this alarming trend, the National and Sub-National Emergency Response Teams, in collaboration with the Ministries of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and Environment, are conducting thorough investigations. Their efforts include tracing the sources of transmission in both animals and humans, identifying and monitoring suspected cases, and distributing Tamiflu to those who have come into contact with infected poultry. Health education campaigns are also being conducted in the affected villages to prevent further transmission.
Historical Context and Current Statistics
Since 2003, Cambodia has reported 71 cases of human infection with H5N1 influenza, resulting in 42 deaths. This year alone, there have been nine cases, eight of which involved children. Tragically, one of these cases resulted in death.
All patients reportedly had a history of exposure to sick or dead poultry before their illness, highlighting the significant risk associated with handling infected birds.
The Broader Picture: Other Recent Cases
Just weeks before this latest case, another incident was reported in Takeo province. A five-year-old girl tested positive for H5N1, marking the eight case of 2024 at that time.
https://en.vietnamplus.vn/cambodia-detects-another-h5n1-bird-flu-case-in-human-post289832.vnp
She is the cousin of a three-year-old boy who also tested positive for the virus. The two children, who live in the same household in Kiri Vong district's Pou village, had direct contact with dead chickens and ducks, which had died around ten days before the girl fell ill.
>https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501519079/two-takeo-boys-confirmed-infected-by-h5n1-bird-flu/
Local doctors are warning that the actual numbers of H5N1 infections and deaths from H5N1 infections in the country are likely to be far more than what is being reported as in many rural villages, people are simply getting sick and dying and such cases are not being reported nor any test being conducted.
It should also be noted that even certain reported cases that were covered in local
H5N1 News coverages and were tested positive for H5N1 were never included in the official tally of H5N1 cases. An example is that of the two boys who contracted H5N1 as mentioned above.
The Nature of H5N1 Influenza
H5N1 influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a virus that primarily spreads between sick poultry but can occasionally jump to humans. The symptoms of H5N1 in humans include fever, cough, runny nose, and severe respiratory illness. The Ministry of Health has repeatedly emphasized the ongoing threat posed by bird flu to public health, particularly for children. They strongly advise against consuming ill or dead poultry and urge people to report any instances of sick or dead birds immediately.
Looking Forward: Preventive Measures and Public Awareness
The recent surge in H5N1 cases underscores the need for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to prevent further spread. The Ministry of Health, along with other relevant authorities, is working tirelessly to contain the outbreak and prevent a potential public health crisis. Public awareness campaigns are crucial in educating communities about the risks of bird flu and the importance of avoiding contact with sick or dead poultry.
Conclusion: A Call for Continued Vigilance
The ongoing cases of H5N1 bird flu in Cambodia serve as a stark reminder of the virus's persistent threat. As health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and implement preventive measures, public cooperation and awareness are vital in controlling the spread of this dangerous virus. For now, the focus remains on treating the affected individuals and preventing further infections through rigorous monitoring and public education efforts.
For the latest
H5N1 News, stay tuned to Thailand Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/study-shows-human-infections-of-h5n1-bird-flu-in-america-is-far-more-than-what-is-being-officially-reported
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/as-uk-upgrades-bird-flu-outbreak-to-level-four-something-is-not-right-and-governments-seem-to-be-concealing-something
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