The 11-year-old became ill just over a week ago with a high fever, cough and sore throat and later died in hospital. On Friday, Cambodian health authorities announced that the girl’s father had also tested positive for the virus, although he had no symptoms.
A total of 12 people were examined in the girl’s home village, but only the father got a positive result. How he was infected is still unknown.
WHO is in close contact with the Cambodian authorities to keep them fully informed of the cases.
A year and a half ago, the virus spread and caused outbreaks in birds and mammals in several parts of the world.
– Sylvie Briand, head of WHO’s global infection control unit, says the situation is worrying given the spread among birds around the world, and the growing number of cases among mammals, including humans.
However, the risk of people getting infected is considered low.
“It is remarkable that so few have been infected,” commented Professor James Wood of the University of Cambridge’s Veterinary School, adding that the Cambodian case did not indicate a sudden change in the situation.
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