New Delhi, October 17 (IANS). H5N1 bird flu has been confirmed in a three-year-old girl in Cambodia’s Kampong Speu province. This disease is a virus spread in birds, which can also infect humans. After this case came to light, the Health Department said that so far this year, a total of 16 people have been affected by this virus in the country, out of which five have died.
On October 15, the National Institute of Public Health tested and confirmed the H5N1 virus in the girl. The girl had complaints like high fever, diarrhea, cough and stomach pain, due to which she was immediately admitted to the hospital.
A team of doctors is taking full care of the girl and her condition is currently said to be critical. He is still admitted in ICU for treatment.
The girl suffering from H5N1 bird flu is a resident of Czech village in Besdath district. Health officials said that during the investigation, it was found that chickens and ducks at the girl’s house and her neighbor’s house had fallen ill and some had even died. This incident happened about a week before the girl fell ill. Because of this, it is believed that she may have been infected by birds.
The Health Department has said that they are thoroughly investigating the source of the infection so that the spread of the disease can be stopped. Also, they are testing all those who have come in contact with the girl. These steps have been taken so that the infection can be caught in time and the disease can be prevented from spreading in the community.
To prevent the spread of bird flu, a medicine called Tamiflu has also been given to those who came in direct contact with the girl. This medicine helps in preventing viral infections and reducing their effects. Taking immediate action on this matter, the Health Ministry has also advised the local people to be cautious and take care of cleanliness.
A total of 16 people have been infected with the H5N1 virus in Cambodia so far this year, of which five have died. This number is a matter of concern because the H5N1 bird flu virus can spread from birds to humans and if it is not stopped in time, the disease can spread on a large scale.
According to the World Health Organization, avian influenza i.e. bird flu virus infects birds, but sometimes this virus can also infect humans. This virus causes large numbers of deaths in birds, and infection in humans can also cause serious health problems.
H5N1 virus was first found in Guangdong region of China in 1996. Since then this virus has been spreading among birds. After 2020, a new form of this virus (called H5 clade 2.3.4.4b) has proven dangerous for birds in many countries. In many countries of Africa, Asia and Europe, a large number of birds have died due to this virus. After this, the virus reached North America in 2021 and also spread to many parts of Central and South America in 2022.
–IANS
PK/AS
