Cambodia records first case of bird flu in humans in 2024, Illustrative image (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Hanoi - A three-year-old boy in Cambodia's southeast Prey Veng province has been confirmed for H5N1 human avian influenza, the first case in the Southeast Asian nation this year, the Cambodian Ministry of Health reported on January 26.

The boy was confirmed positive for H5N1 bird flu virus by the National Institute of Public Health and the Pasteur Institute in Cambodia a day earlier. The patient is currently receiving intensive care from a team of doctors.

Epidemiological investigation found that chickens and ducks had died in the patient’s village and around his house about 10 days ago, according to the ministry.

The ministry said a team of health experts is investigating the source of the infection and are examining any suspected cases or people who have been in contact with the patient in order to prevent an outbreak in the community, the ministry said, adding that Tamiflu, an antiviral drug to prevent the bird flu from spreading, were provided for those who had direct contact with the boy.

H5N1 influenza is a flu that normally spreads between sick poultry but can sometimes spread from poultry to humans. Its symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and severe respiratory illness.

Since 2003, Cambodia has reported 63 cases of H5N1 influenza in humans, of which 41 died.