# Detecting Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses through Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Surveillance, Cambodia

## TL;DR

A study in Cambodia found that monitoring severe respiratory infections helped detect most H5N1 bird flu cases.

## Contribution

The study shows that SARI surveillance is effective in identifying H5N1 cases in Cambodia.

## Key findings

- 12 out of 19 H5N1 cases in Cambodia were detected through SARI surveillance or contact testing.
- SARI surveillance can complement other methods for H5N1 detection.

## Abstract

Of 19 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection detected during January 2023–March 2025 in Cambodia, 12 (63%) were detected directly by surveillance for severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) or indirectly by testing ill close contacts. SARI surveillance can supplement other surveillance sources for identifying H5N1 cases.