Cambodia reports 14th human case of H5N1 bird flu in 2025

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Source: Xinhua| 2025-07-29 15:34:15


PHNOM PENH, July 29 (Xinhua) -- A 26-year-old man from northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province has been confirmed for H5N1 human avian influenza, raising the number of the cases to 14 so far this year, the Ministry of Health said in a statement on Tuesday.

"A laboratory result from the National Institute of Public Health showed on July 26 that the man was positive for H5N1 virus," the statement said.

"The patient has the symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, stomach ache, and breathing difficulty, and is currently being rescued by a team of doctors," it added.

The victim lives in Kravann village of Siem Reap city.

"Investigations revealed that there were dead chickens near the patient's house and he also culled and plucked chickens three days before he fell ill," the statement said.

Health authorities are looking into the source of the infection and are examining any suspected cases or people who have been in contact with the victim in order to prevent an outbreak in the community.

So far this year, the Southeast Asian country has reported a total of 14 human cases of H5N1 bird flu, with five deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. ■

https://english.news.cn/asiapacific/...95727d1/c.html

[Commonground]

Siem Reap Man in ICU as Cambodia Confirms 14th H5N1 Case

July 29, 2025
PHNOM PENH — A 26-year-old man from Siem Reap has tested positive for the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, bringing Cambodia’s total number of human cases to 14 so far this year, the Ministry of Health announced on July 29.

According to a statement from the ministry, the National Institute of Public Health confirmed the man’s infection on July 26 through laboratory testing.

“The patient presented with fever, cough, sore throat, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing,” the ministry said. “He is currently receiving intensive care, with a medical team closely monitoring his condition.”

The man resides in Kravan village, Nokor Thom commune, in Siem Reap city. Health officials reported that chickens had recently died near his home, and that he had slaughtered and plucked poultry just three days before the onset of his illness.

In response to the case, national and provincial health emergency teams, in coordination with local authorities and agricultural officers, have launched a full investigation to trace the source of the virus. Their response includes identifying human and animal contacts, testing for additional cases, and containing potential community transmission.

“Tamiflu has been distributed to individuals in close contact with the patient, and awareness campaigns have been carried out in affected villages to inform residents about symptoms and prevention,” the statement said.

This marks the 11th case reported in just the past two months, with five deaths recorded this year.

“All confirmed cases have involved contact with infected poultry. There is no indication of human-to-human transmission at this time,” said Dr. Erik Karlsson, head of the virology unit at Institut Pasteur du Cambodge and leader of the WHO’s H5 Reference Lab.

On social media platform X, Dr. Karlsson noted that “the virus remains a reassortant strain first identified in 2023—a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of zoonotic transmission.”

Unlike the milder clade 2.3.4.4b currently circulating in the United States, Cambodia’s recent cases are tied to a newly emerged reassortment of an older clade, now known as 2.3.2.1e. This strain has been spreading rapidly through both wild bird populations and domestic poultry.

The infectious disease surveillance platform flutrackers.com observed that despite public health warnings, economic hardship continues to push the poor in Cambodia to handle and prepare sick or dead poultry.

“Every single human infection represents a new chance for the virus to further adapt to human biology,” the site warned.

The Ministry of Health is urging the public to remain vigilant.

"If you experience fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, or produce sputum, and had contact with sick or dead poultry within 14 days before symptoms began, avoid gatherings and go immediately to the nearest health center or hospital for evaluation,” the statement advised. “Delays in treatment can significantly increase the risk of death.”

https://cambodianess.com/article/siem-reap-man-in-icu-as-cambodia-confirms-14th-h5n1-case