news
Updated 2026-07-12 5 min
In short
- ●A 9-month-old infant tested positive for H5N1 on July 12, 2026.
- ●Fifth human case of bird flu in Cambodia in 2026.
- ●Expats should avoid any contact with sick poultry.
- ●Consult a doctor if flu-like symptoms appear.
5
Human H5N1 cases in 2026
July 12, 2026
Latest case
Cambodia
Location
Khmer Times Breaking News
Source
Key Facts at a Glance
- 5 human cases in 2026. Cambodia has recorded five human infections with the H5N1 virus since January 2026.
- Latest case: a 9-month-old infant. On July 12, 2026, a baby tested positive for bird flu.
- Probable transmission via poultry. Contact with sick birds remains the main source of infection.
- No confirmed human-to-human transmission. No person-to-person spread has been documented.
- Enhanced health surveillance. Authorities urge reporting any suspected cases.
How It Happened
Here is the timeline of human H5N1 cases in Cambodia in 2026.
- January 2026: First human case of the year reported in Prey Veng province.
- March 2026: Second case, a 35-year-old adult, in Kampong Cham province.
- May 2026: Third case, a 5-year-old child, in Takeo province.
- June 2026: Fourth case, a 50-year-old adult, in Battambang province.
- July 12, 2026: Fifth case, a 9-month-old infant, announced by the Ministry of Health.
Breakdown
Distribution of human H5N1 cases by province and age group.
| Province | Number of Cases | Age Group |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Veng | 1 | Adult |
| Kampong Cham | 1 | Adult |
| Takeo | 1 | Child (5 years) |
| Battambang | 1 | Adult |
| Unspecified | 1 | Infant (9 months) |
What This Means for Siem Reap
- Avoid live poultry markets and any contact with sick or dead birds.
- Wash hands frequently with soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Report any sick poultry to local authorities.
- Consult a doctor as soon as flu-like symptoms appear (fever, cough, difficulty breathing).
- Stay informed via official channels of the Ministry of Health.
How to Stay Safe
- Step 1: Avoid live bird markets and poultry farms.
- Step 2: Do not touch sick or dead birds without protection.
- Step 3: Wash hands regularly with soap and water.
- Step 4: Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly before eating.
- Step 5: Monitor your health and that of your family.
- Step 6: If flu-like symptoms occur, see a doctor promptly.
- Step 7: Follow recommendations from local health authorities.
Frequently asked questions
What is H5N1?
H5N1 is a subtype of the avian influenza virus, primarily transmitted by birds. It can infect humans through close contact with infected poultry.
How many human H5N1 cases have there been in Cambodia in 2026?
Five human cases have been confirmed in 2026, the latest on July 12.
Does H5N1 spread from person to person?
To date, no sustained human-to-human transmission has been documented. Cases remain linked to direct contact with infected birds.
What should I do if I see a sick bird?
Do not touch it. Report it to local authorities or the Ministry of Agriculture.
Are expats in Siem Reap at risk?
The risk is low if hygiene precautions are followed. Avoid live poultry markets and consult a doctor if symptoms appear.
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