Cambodia has confirmed its fourth fatal case of H5N1 avian influenza this year, following the death of an 11-year-old boy from Kampong Speu province on May 2.
In a statement released on May 28, the Ministry of Health confirmed the cause of death after laboratory testing by the Pasteur Institute of Cambodia.
The boy had been exposed to sick and dying poultry near his home, and later developed severe respiratory symptoms.
Response and containment measures
In response, the Ministry of Health has deployed emergency teams to investigate the source of the inspection and implement containment measures.
Authorities are distributing the antiviral drug Tamiflu to individual at risk and conducting health education campaigns in affected communities to help curb the spread of the virus.
Residents experiencing flu-like symptoms, especially those with recent contact with poultry, are being urged to seek immediate medical attention.
Overview of 2025 cases
The first H5N1 death in Cambodia this year was a 28-year-old man from Kampong Cham province, whose family kept chickens.
In February, a 2-year-old boy also died from the virus, followed by the death of a 3-year-old boy in Kratie province in March.
According to Avian Flu Diary, Cambodia has reported 20 human cases of of H5N1 since the virus re-emerged in the country in 2023.
Of these, only four were adults—three of whom survived. among the 16 infected children, half were fatal with eight children dying from the virus.