Kantha Bopha Hospital has called on citizens nationwide to avoid touching, handling or eating sick or dead chickens and ducks to prevent the spread of the H5N1 bird flu virus to humans. The call comes after doctors saved the life of a 10-month-old baby girl with severe pneumonia caused by the H5N1 virus and allowed her to return home safely after 10 days of treatment.

Doctors said the case shows that early diagnosis and treatment can save lives. However, the H5N1 virus remains a high-risk disease, especially for young children and those with a history of contact with sick or dead birds.

Health authorities and Kantha Bopha Hospital also advised residents to immediately report to local authorities or medical officials if they find chickens or ducks that have died for unknown reasons and not to cook or eat them. If they have symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or a history of contact with sick or dead birds, they should immediately go to the nearest health center or hospital for examination and treatment.