WHO warns that bird flu has reappeared in Cambodia

27 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The World Health Organization has warned that bird flu has reappeared in Cambodia, after two cases have been confirmed, including that of an 11-year-old girl who has died as a result of the virus.

“The global situation with H5N1 (as this variant of the virus is known) is concerning given the widespread spread of the virus in birds around the world,” said WHO Director of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention Sylvie Briand. “We are in close communication with the Cambodian authorities to better understand the outbreak,” she added.

These cases are the first reported in Cambodia since the last outbreak occurred in 2014. Infection with this virus, which mainly affects animals, has a human mortality rate of 50 percent.

The United Nations health agency has warned that more cases related to this virus are expected: “The WHO takes the risk of this virus seriously and urges greater vigilance in all countries,” Briand said.

For their part, the Cambodian authorities are already investigating the situation in the country, with the aim of identifying the source and mode of transmission.

From 2003 to February 25, 2023, a total of 873 human cases of H5N1 and 458 deaths in 21 countries have been reported worldwide.