3 February 2005: Human case of Avian Influenza in Cambodia

The Ministry of Health in Viet Nam has reported a case of human H5 avian influenza in a 25 year old woman from Kampot Province in southern Cambodia.

The woman sought medical care in neighbouring Viet Nam and died in the Kien Giang Provincial hospital on 30 January 2005. (1) This is the first reported case of human avian influenza from Cambodia.

In addition, three more people are reported to have died in Viet Nam from H5N1 avian influenza. If these cases are confirmed the total number of cases occurring in Viet Nam since mid December 2004 will be 13, 12 of whom have died.

There continue to be no travel restrictions to south east Asia. The risk to travellers of acquiring avian influenza remains low.

Travellers are reminded of the following precautions:

• Avoid visiting live animal markets and poultry farms
• Avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with animal faeces
• Do not eat or handle undercooked or raw poultry, egg or duck dishes
• Do not attempt to bring any live poultry products back to the UK

Reference

1. World Health Organization Disease Outbreak News www.who.int/csr/don/2005_02_02/en/

Links

The US Centres for Disease Control have released guidelines for visitors to and expatriates living in affected areas.