Two more children have been confirmed for H5N1 human avian flu, bringing the total number of cases in Cambodia to five so far this year, said the Cambodian Health Ministry on February 28.

One case involves a 10-year-old girl from eastern Tboung Khmum province, who was hospitalised on February 20 with several symptoms as fever, running nose, cough, and abdominal pain. She was then tested positive for the virus.

The other case is an 11-year-old girl from the same province

The two victims had direct contacts with dead and sick poultry before becoming ill, the ministry said in its statement, adding that they are now being treated with Tamiflu and recovering.

According to Health Minister Mam Bunheng, bird flu remains a serious threat to the health of all Cambodians and children seem to be most vulnerable and are at high risk.

He urged parents and baby-sits to keep children away from sick or dead poultry and make sure children wash their hands with soap after any contact with poultry.

Since H5N1 virus was first identified in Cambodia ten years ago, the country has reported 52 human cases of the virus, including 34 fatalities, the statement said.-VNA