Phnom Penh, Jan 10 (NationPress) A 28-year-old individual from the Kampong Cham province in southeastern Cambodia succumbed to H5N1 human avian influenza on Friday, making him the first recorded death of 2025, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health.
Laboratory tests conducted by the National Institute of Public Health confirmed on January 9, 2025, that the individual tested positive for the H5N1 virus.
Despite receiving intensive medical care, the patient passed away on January 10, 2025, due to severe health complications, including symptoms such as fever, cough, and dyspnea.
The individual resided in Village 22 of Chamkar Leu district's Chamkar Andoung commune, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
According to inquiries, the patient raised chickens and had consumed meat from a sick bird.
Health authorities are currently investigating the source of the infection and monitoring any suspected cases or individuals who had contact with the deceased to avert a potential outbreak in the community.
The H5N1 influenza strain typically transmits among sick poultry but can occasionally infect humans; symptoms often include fever, cough, runny nose, and severe respiratory issues.
The Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid consuming ill or deceased poultry, emphasizing that bird flu continues to pose a health risk.
Since 2003, there have been 73 reported cases of human infection with H5N1 influenza in this Southeast Asian nation, resulting in 44 fatalities, according to ministry statistics.
