In 2025, Cambodia reported its 14th human case of H5N1 bird flu

A 26-year-old male from the Siem Reap province in northwest Cambodia has tested positive for H5N1 human avian influenza, increasing the total number of cases to 14. The Ministry of Health has reported that the patient is exhibiting symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, stomach pain, and difficulty breathing. Investigations have uncovered deceased chickens in proximity to the patient’s residence, and it was noted that he had culled and plucked chickens three days prior to the onset of his illness. Health officials are currently probing the origin of the infection and are assessing suspected cases or individuals who had contact with the patient to avert a potential outbreak within the community. Since 2022, there has been a rise in reports of lethal outbreaks among mammals attributed to influenza A(H5) viruses, including those of the influenza A(H5N1) strain. Both terrestrial and marine mammals have been impacted, encompassing farmed fur-bearing animals, seals, sea lions, and instances detected in various wild and domestic species. Nearly all instances of H5N1 virus infection in humans have been linked to close interactions with infected live or deceased birds or environments contaminated with H5N1.