A 66-year-old woman from Svay Rieng province has become Cambodia’s fourth confirmed human case of H5N1 avian influenza in 2026, testing positive on April 21 after exposure to sick and dead chickens in her village and household.
The Cambodia Ministry of Health confirmed the infection through the National Institute of Public Health, noting the patient resides in Trapaing Thkov village, Pong Teuk commune, Romduol district. She is currently in isolation receiving intensive medical care.
Investigations revealed sick and dead chickens were present in both the village and the patient’s home from April 2 to 13, and the birds had been used for cooking — a pattern consistent with nearly all human H5N1 infections, which stem from close contact with infected live or dead birds or contaminated environments.
This case marks the 38th human H5N1 infection reported in Cambodia since early 2023, underscoring persistent zoonotic risk in rural areas where backyard poultry remains common and surveillance gaps persist despite ongoing public health efforts.
While human-to-human transmission of H5N1 remains rare based on current evidence, health officials warn the virus could gain pandemic potential if it mutates to spread more easily among people — a scenario that has not yet occurred but remains a global concern.
The Ministry of Health activated emergency response teams at national and sub-national levels, collaborating with agriculture departments and local authorities to investigate transmission sources, identify suspected cases and contacts, distribute oseltamivir (Tamiflu) to close contacts, and conduct health education in affected communities.
Citizens are urged to seek immediate medical attention if they develop fever, cough, runny nose, or breathing difficulties within 14 days of contact with sick or dead poultry, and to avoid gatherings until evaluated — delays increase the risk of severe outcomes or death.
Globally, over 970 human H5N1 cases have been reported to the World Health Organization since 2003, with more than 460 fatalities — a mortality rate exceeding 50% — though most infections remain linked to direct animal exposure rather than community spread.
How is H5N1 bird flu transmitted to humans?
Almost all human infections result from close contact with infected live or dead birds or contaminated environments, such as handling sick poultry or visiting live bird markets; there is no evidence of sustained person-to-person spread.
What should people do if they’ve been near sick chickens and feel ill?
Seek immediate care at the nearest health center or hospital if fever, cough, runny nose, or breathing difficulties develop within 14 days of exposure to sick or dead poultry — early treatment improves outcomes and delays increase the risk of death.
