WHO warns of growing cases of "avian flu" in Cambodia

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning amid a recent uptick in cases of avian flu (H5N1) in Cambodia.

Authorities in the Southeast Asian country recently reported that two individuals had contracted the disease, with one eventually succumbing to it.

Dr Sylvie Briand, WHO’s director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention, described the situation as “worrying” and stated that the organization is reviewing its global risk assessment.

She urged countries to exercise heightened vigilance and stressed that WHO is closely monitoring the situation and in contact with Cambodian authorities for updates.

The virus spreads not only among birds but also in mammals, including humans.

The WHO is ramping up preparedness efforts with antivirals and licensed vaccines available in case the situation deteriorates.

While a new strain named clade 2.3.4.4b emerged in 2020, causing record numbers of deaths among wild birds and domestic poultry, the risk posed to humans by H5N1 is still ranked as low.

Between January 2003 and January 2023, there have been 868 cases of human infection involving various strains of avian flu, with 457 resulting in fatalities.

SS