Cambodia Reports 12th Human H5N1 Case in 2025 Amid Surge

Cambodia has reported a surge in human H5N1 avian influenza cases in 2025, with 12 confirmed infections so far, including a recent case in a 5-year-old boy from Kampot province who is currently in intensive care. The boy, who frequently played with chickens at his home where several poultry were found sick or dead, exhibits symptoms such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Health officials have noted an increase in cases since late 2023, with many infections linked to close contact with infected poultry, and six fatalities recorded this year. The virus strain involved may be clade 2.3.2.1c, endemic in Cambodia, although a newer strain, clade 2.3.4.4b, has raised international concern due to its rapid spread and infections in mammals. Close contacts of infected individuals are being treated with antiviral Tamiflu as a precaution, and investigations continue to monitor potential human-to-human transmission, which has not been confirmed. This ongoing outbreak highlights the serious risk posed by H5N1, which often causes severe respiratory illness and pneumonia, distinguishing it from seasonal flu.