Cambodia Confirms Fourth Bird Flu Death This Year

Cambodia has reported a fourth human fatality from H5N1 bird flu in 2025 following the death of an 11-year-old boy from the country’s western region, health authorities confirmed Tuesday.

According to the Cambodian Health Ministry, laboratory tests confirmed the boy had contracted the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The ministry’s statement, cited by Xinhua News, noted that poultry near the boy’s home had shown signs of illness and died about a week before he developed symptoms.

Officials are investigating the source of the infection and closely monitoring individuals who had contact with the boy, alongside other suspected cases, to curb the potential spread of the virus.

H5N1, commonly referred to as bird flu, mainly spreads through infected poultry but can sometimes jump to humans. It causes symptoms such as fever, cough, nasal discharge, and severe respiratory distress.

The Health Ministry has urged residents to avoid handling sick or dead birds and to adhere strictly to preventive health guidelines, emphasizing that the virus remains a serious public health risk.

Since 2003, Cambodia has recorded 76 confirmed human cases of H5N1, resulting in 47 deaths.