These are first case Bird flu, known as H5N1, reported in Cambodia since a widespread outbreak in 2014World Health Organization (WHO) speak. The infection, which mainly affects animals, has a mortality rate of 50% in humans.
“The The global H5N1 situation is worrying Sylvie Briand, Director of Disease and Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness at the United Nations health agency. “We are close contact with Cambodian authorities to understand more about the outbreak.”
Other cases expected
As the virus continues to be detected in poultry populations, Other human cases can be expected, Who said. Almost all H5N1 cases of infection in humans was associated with close contact with infected live or dead poultry or polluted environment.
“WHO considers the risk from this virus serious and calls for increased vigilance in all countries,” she said.
From 2003 to February 25 2023total 873 human H5N1 infections and 458 deaths has been reported globally in 21 countries.
However, based on current informationWHO advise against apply any travel or trade restrictions. So far, the evidence suggests that the virus does not infect people easily And Person-to-person transmission seems to be unusual.
Investigations launched
In Cambodia, one joint animal-human health survey Satisfied in process in Prey Veng province, where the incident was reported. It is intended to determine the source and method of transmission.
Meanwhile, a high-level government response is working to prevent any further spread of the virus and outbreak investigation The WHO said the aim was to determine the exposure of the two reported cases to the virus.
Cambodia health the authorities informed WHO on Thursday first case and death. A young girl contracted bird flu and died on Wednesday. Via Friday, they reported the second casenote that one of the girl’s family members tested positive for the virus but had no symptoms.
FAO/Hoang Dinh Nam
In response to previous outbreaks, veterinary efforts to differentiate avian influenza strains have been consolidated across Asia.
Global feedback system
Through the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, the United Nations health agency monitor the growth of the virus And conduct a risk assessment. For pandemic preparedness purposes, WHO may also recommend further development of new candidate vaccine viruses.
Organ emphasizes the importance of global surveillance to detect and monitor virological, epidemiological and clinical changes related to emerging or circulating viruses that may affect human or animal health.
Today has There is no universal vaccine to protect against avian influenza in humans. WHO recommends that all people involved in working with poultry or birds get a seasonal flu shot to reduce potential risks.
Past outbreaks
Nearly a decade ago, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) gave a Urgent warning of an outbreak in Southeast Asia of a avian influenza strain H5N6.
In 2015, FAO once again raised the alarm about a dangerous outbreak of a highly virulent virus strain H5N1including spread to five West African countries within six months. The agency appealed for $20 million in emergency funds “to stop it going in the right direction” before it affects humans.
At the time, the FAO said that the H5N1 strain was causing tens of millions of birds to die And tens of billions of dollars in damage.
Since then, the agency has work to improve the veterinary system and the capabilities of local laboratories. By 2018, FAO Have training 4,700 veterinarians, Who works? to protect farm animals fight the deadly virus in 25 countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
In Cambodia, one 2003 H5N1 outbreak affected wild birds for the first time. Since then and until 2014, human cases of poultry-to-human transmission have been reported sporadically in the country.
As of February 25th, Cambodia has reported a total of 58 cases Human cases of H5N1 virus infection have been reported Since 2003including 38 deaths.
