Deadly Alert! New Human Case of Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Detected in Cambodia—What You Need to Know

 

Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in Cambodia

 

Sub-Locations Affected

Svay Rieng (Romduol District)

 

EVENT DESCRIPTION

 

On April 21, 2026, the National Institute of Public Health confirmed a human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) in a 66-year-old woman from Svay Rieng Province. This represents Cambodia’s fourth reported human H5N1 case in 2026. The Ministry of Health subsequently issued a statement noting that the patient is receiving intensive medical care while in isolation.

 

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL INFORMATION

 

● On April 21, 2026, the National Institute of Public Health confirmed case of avian influenza A(H5N1) in a 66-year-old woman from Rumduol district, Svay Rieng Province. The patient has been isolated at the hospital and is receiving intensive care from medical professionals.

● Field investigation indicated that there were sick and dying chickens in the village and at the patient's home from April 2 to 13 which were subsequently cooked for food.

● In Cambodia, 18 human infections and nine deaths were reported in 2025, corresponding to a case fatality rate of 50%.

● As of 2026, four confirmed human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) have been identified, with no fatalities reported to date. Figure 1. Cases of Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in 2026 as of April 22

 

RESPONSE MEASURES

 

● The Ministry of Health’s emergency response teams at national and sub-national levels are working jointly with provincial agriculture departments and local authorities to investigate the outbreak in accordance with established technical protocols. Efforts are focused on identifying the source of transmission in both animals and humans, as well as tracing suspected cases and contacts to limit further community spread.

● Antiviral prophylaxis is being administered to close contacts to reduce infection risk. In parallel, health education campaigns are being implemented in affected areas to strengthen community awareness and prevention.

● The Ministry of Health advises the public to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures against avian influenza A(H5N1). Individuals presenting with fever, cough, runny nose, or respiratory symptoms following exposure to sick or dead poultry within the previous 14 days are advised to avoid crowded settings and seek prompt medical attention to reduce the risk of severe outcomes.

● Regular updates are disseminated through the Department of Communicable Disease Control’s official website and Facebook page.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

● The World Health Organization advises both travelers and residents in countries experiencing avian influenza outbreaks to avoid exposure to poultry farms, live bird markets, slaughtering areas, and any surfaces potentially contaminated with poultry or animal feces. Individuals returning from affected areas who develop respiratory symptoms and suspect of zoonotic influenza infection are encouraged to promptly report to local health authorities.

 

● The Ministry of Health of Cambodia underscored the following key preventive measures to reduce the risk of H5N1 infection:

a) Avoid contact with sick or dead poultry,

b) Use protective measures (gloves and a mask) when handling poultry for food,

c) Wash hands frequently, especially before handling food and after contact with poultry or potentially contaminated surfaces,

d) Ensure thorough cooking before consumption, and

e) Seek medical attention promptly.

 

Sources:

1. Ministry of Health of Cambodia (2026, April 22) សេចក្តីប្រកាេព័ត៌មាន េតីពីក្រណីជំងឺផ្តតសាយរក្សីស ើស្ត្រ ីអាយុ៦៦ឆ្ន ំ, Ministry of Health of Cambodia. Retrieved April 23, 2026 from https://www.cdcmoh.gov.kh/968-h5n1-21042026

2. WHO (2026, January 21). Influenza (avian and other zoonotic). WHO. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(avian-andother-zoonotic)

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