Previously there have been 13 cases of H5N1 avian influenza infection in Cambodia, with about nine people killed. In 2005, about 34 Cambodians died from bird flu.
The Ministry reported that the girl was from a village in Kampot province, a place that allows her to be infected with the virus through poultry. The unnamed girl has been treated, but she died last Friday.
“H5N1 bird flu remains a serious threat to the health of Cambodians. Children are most vulnerable and at have high risk because they love to play with poultry,” said Health Minister Mam Bunheng, as reported by CBS News (02/07).
H5N1 virus spreads among poultry, but sometimes can also be transmitted from birds to humans. Of the 34 cases in Cambodia, 23 cases of which occurred in children under 14 years. While the 21 cases occurred in women.