10 April 2007

The Ministry of Health in Cambodia has confirmed the countrys seventh case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. It is the first case to be confirmed in humans in Cambodia in 2007.

The 13-year-old girl, from Ponhea Kreak district in Kampong Cham province, developed symptoms on 2 April and was hospitalized the following day. She died on 5 April. Samples taken from the girl have tested positive for H5N1 at the Pasteur Institute in Phnom Penh.

Initial investigations into the source of the girl"e;s infection indicate the presence of sick and dead poultry in the village in recent weeks and that she had consumed a sick chicken prior to onset of symptoms. A team from the Ministry of Health, WHO, and the Pasteur Institute are following up with close contacts of the girl and are conducting awareness raising activities in the area.

Of the 7 cases confirmed to date in Cambodia, all have been fatal.