Cambodia confirms one human case of H5N1 avian influenza

On January 26, the Cambodian Ministry of Health confirmed a case of H5N1 avian influenza in humans.

This is the first case of bird flu in humans this year in the Southeast Asian country.

The patient is a 3-year-old boy in Prey Veng province, southeastern Cambodia.

The National Institute of Health and the Pasteur Institute in Cambodia confirmed that the patient's sample tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus. The patient is currently receiving special care from doctors.

Epidemiological investigation showed that in the village where the patient lived as well as around his house, there were reports of poultry including chickens and ducks dying about 10 days before.

The Cambodian Ministry of Health also said that a team of health experts is investigating the source of infection, testing suspected cases and people who have had direct contact with the patient to prevent the outbreak in the community.

The Ministry of Health has also distributed the anti-flu drug Tamiflu to those who have been in direct contact with the patient.

Since 2003, Cambodia has recorded 63 cases of H5N1 flu in humans, including 41 deaths.