Avian flu reappears in Cambodia, UN health agency warns

These are the first cases of avian influenza, known as H5N1, reported in Cambodia since a widespread outbreak in 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. The infection, which largely affects animals, has a 50 per cent mortality rate in humans. “The global H5N1 situation is worrying given the wide spread of the virus in birds around the world,” said Sylvie Briand, Director for Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention at the UN health agency. “We are in close communication with the Cambodian authorities to understand more about the outbreak.” Further cases expected Since the virus continues to be detected in poultry populations, further human cases can be expected, WHO said. Almost all H5N1 infection cases in people have been associated with close contact with infected live or dead birds or contaminated environments. “WHO takes the risk from this virus seriously and urged heightened vigilance in all countries,” she said. From 2003 to 25 February...