According to a report, immediately after the death of the child, the emergency investigation team went to the site and in collaboration with local and provincial authorities began collecting samples from residents.

The emergency response team continues to investigate the H5N1 A virus outbreak, which has not occurred since 2014, and is responding to national procedures.

It is also working closely with veterinary specialists to find the source of infection.

Animals and humans will continue to be evaluated for suspected cases to prevent transmission to others in the community where the incident occurred, the ministerial report amplified by the Khmer Times newspaper added. According to expert opinion, the deceased minor was allegedly infected by wild animals.

She fell ill on February 16 with a cough and sore throat and only on Tuesday, February 21, when her symptoms worsened, was sent to the National Pediatric Hospital in Phnom Penh, where she died the following day.

This was the first death caused by highly pathogenic bird flu A H5N1 since 2014 and the 57th case across the country, where 37 deaths related to the disease were reported between 2005 and 2014.

Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 (A/H5N1) is a subtype of the influenza A virus that can cause disease in humans and many other animal species.

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