In January 2013, there were 5 new cases of highly contagious infection of Avian influenza (H5N1) virus occurred in Cambodia. Four of the five died, only one survived experiencing only mild symptoms. There were no evidence of human to human transmission and four of the cases are known to have closed contact with sick/dead poultry. All cases happen in 4 different provinces and including Phnom Penh (the capital of Cambodia), and three other provinces. This serious disease attacks the patient of both sexes and in various age group ranging from the 8 months old to 35 years old.
In February, there are another four more cases reported of being infected with H5N1 from different provinces. The las case is the ninth person in 2013 who was diagnosed with H5N1 influenza on 23rd February 2013 by Institut Pasteur du Cambodge. The patient is a 35-year-old man from Kampong Cham Province. On 13th February, he was admitted to the Kampong Cham Hospital with fever, severe cough and dyspnea and was immediately treated with Tamiflu. He developed pneumonia on 21st February and was transferred to Calmette Hospital in Phnom Penh. Unfortunately, despite intensive medical care he died on 25thh February.
Avian flu is still a threat to the health of Cambodian people. The greatest risk of exposure to the virus is through the handling and slaughter of infected poultry. Home slaughtering and preparation of sick or dead poultry for food is hazardous: this practice must stop. Children still seem to be most vulnerable and are at high risk because they like to play where poultry are found.
The government's message is - wash hands often; keep children away from poultry; keep poultry away from living areas; do not eat sick or dead poultry; and all poultry eaten should be well cooked.
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