This is the fourth human case confirmed in Cambodia in 2026 (#1, #2, #3).

The patient is a resident of Trapaing Thkov village, Pong Teuk commune, Romduol district, Svay Rieng province.

The patient has been placed in isolation at the hospital and is receiving intensive medical care.

Investigations revealed that from April 2 to 13, there were sick and dead chickens in the village and the patient’s house, which were used for cooking.

According to the World Health Organization, H5N1 is one of several influenza viruses that causes a highly infectious respiratory disease in birds called avian influenza (or “bird flu”). Infections in mammals, including humans, have also been documented.

H5N1 influenza virus infection can cause a range of diseases in humans, from mild to severe and in some cases, it can even be fatal. Symptoms reported have primarily been respiratory, but conjunctivitis and other non-respiratory symptoms have also been reported. There have also been a few detections of A(H5N1) virus in persons who were exposed to infected animals or their environments but who did not show any symptoms.

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Almost all cases of H5N1 virus infection in people have been associated with close contact with infected live or dead birds, or H5N1-contaminated environments, for example live bird markets. There have been some instances of spread from infected mammals to humans as well. While there may have been some cases that were not detected, the virus does not seem to easily infect humans or spread from person to person, based on the current knowledge and understanding.

More than 970 cases of human infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) have been reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2003, with over 460 fatalities resulting in a high mortality rate exceeding 50%.

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The case involves a 21-year-old male with good past health. He developed a fever, headache, myalgia and a rash on April 12, and sought medical attention at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on April 16. He was admitted for treatment and is currently in stable condition. His blood sample tested positive for dengue virus upon laboratory testing.

Initial investigations revealed that the patient lives in Tai Wo Estate in Tai Po and works at a road construction site near Long Yan Road in Penny's Bay on Lantau Island. He had no travel history during the incubation period (March 29 to April 9). During this period, he mainly stayed in the vicinity of the construction site in Penny's Bay and his home.

Dengue 101

He reported being bitten by mosquitoes recently near his workplace. He did not recall being bitten by mosquitoes in any other places, including Tai Wo Estate in Tai Po. His household contacts and other workers at the same construction site are currently asymptomatic.

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The CHP's investigation is ongoing and no epidemiological linkage has been found so far between this case and other previously recorded imported DF cases in Hong Kong.

Including the above cases, a total of 13 DF cases have been recorded so far this year. All cases other than the one mentioned above were imported. Last year (2025), 59 DF cases were recorded, all of which were imported. In 2024, 161 DF cases were recorded, including 156 imported cases and five local cases.

This is a 283 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025 (78).

Tokyo accounts for 36 percent of the total cases to date (108). This is followed by Kanagawa (31), Kagoshima (28), Aichi (23) and Chiba (23).

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People in the 10-19 age group accounted for 24% of the patients, and those in their 20s made up 28%. Half of all patients were not fully vaccinated or had no known history of vaccination.

The Japan Institute for Health Security said that the largest number of annual patients in Japan in the past decade is 744 in 2019. The number fell sharply between 2020 and 2022, when border control measures were strengthened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but started to increase after borders were reopened in full.

Measles and Immune Amnesia with Ashley Hagen, M.S.

Of the total cases, 23 are not yet eligible for measles vaccination, especially infants.

Among the city Districts, measles cases were highest in District 2 with 61 cases, followed by District 4 (28 cases), District 6 (27 cases) cases, District 3 (11 cases) and District 1 and 5 with 8 cases.

Vaccines, autism and a very important book

A measles-related death has been recorded this year as well.

The Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) said these infants remain vulnerable as they rely solely on community immunity for protection against the disease.

Community immunity, also known as herd immunity, is a form of indirect protection from an infectious disease that occurs when a significant percentage of a population becomes immune, either through vaccination or previous infection.

To prevent the increase of measles cases especially among children, the local government’s surveillance, outbreak response immunization, health education, and prevention campaigns are being conducted.

Measles, commonly known as tigdas, is dangerous but preventable by vaccination and proper care. Parents are encouraged to go to a health centre or hospital if your children have symptoms of measles like rashes and fever.

Nationally, measles and rubella cases in the Philippines surged by 45% in the first quarter of 2026, with 1,627 cases recorded from January 4 to March 21, compared to 1,121 cases during the same period in 2025.

Monitoring data from the Taiwan CDC, for the week ending April 11, there were 125,205 outpatient and emergency room visits for diarrhea, an increase from 119,787 visits in the previous week.

In addition, a total of 113 cases of diarrhea clusters were reported nationwide in the past four weeks, with the catering and accommodation industries being the most frequent locations.

Norovirus: What is it and how can you protect yourself?

Among these, 64 cases tested positive for pathogens, with viral pathogens accounting for 87.5% (56 cases), with norovirus being the most common (50 cases, accounting for 78.1% of positive clusters). Bacterial pathogens accounted for 12.5% ​​(8 cases), with Staphylococcus aureus detected in 4 cases, Salmonella in 3 cases, and both Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella in 1 case. Furthermore, the norovirus typing results in March showed that GII.17 was the main circulating type, accounting for approximately 47.1%, consistent with the circulating type in Taiwan last year. The

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stated that during the Qingming Festival holiday, people traveled extensively, and families and friends frequently dined out together. Coupled with the warm and humid weather, the proliferation of pathogens such as bacteria accelerated. If food was not properly stored, the risk of intestinal infectious diseases would easily increase. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) urges the public to wash their hands properly with soap or hand sanitizer after using the toilet and before eating or preparing meals. Raw food and drinks should be avoided, and food should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. Food should be properly covered and stored. If any unusual odor, discoloration, or texture is detected before consumption, it should be avoided to reduce risk. If you experience suspected symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, you should rest at home until the symptoms subside for at least 48 hours.

The CDC also reminds food and accommodation operators to implement thorough disinfection and cleaning of kitchen environments and strengthen employee health management. Employees with suspected gastroenteritis symptoms should suspend work and return to work only after 48 hours of symptom relief. Before handling contaminated surfaces (such as floors, doorknobs, etc.), wear gloves and a mask, and wipe with 20 cc of bleach diluted in 1 liter of water (1,000 ppm). Patient vomit and excrement should be disinfected and cleaned with 100 cc of bleach diluted in 1 liter of water (5,000 ppm). The diluted bleach should be prepared on the same day and labeled with the date. It must be covered and protected from sunlight. Any unused bleach should be discarded after 24 hours.

These are all seasonal diseases that spread easily in the community if not controlled promptly. In response to this situation, the health sector is intensifying epidemiological surveillance, implementing prevention and control measures, and advising people to raise their awareness of disease prevention and protect their own health, their families’ health, and the community’s health.

Dengue fever

According to Deputy Director of the Department of Disease Prevention Vo Hai Son, based on surveillance data from the beginning of 2026 to the present, the whole country has recorded 31,927 cases and 4 deaths. Cases were recorded early in the year, mainly concentrated in provinces and cities in the southern region.

In the coming period, the disease may continue to increase, especially during the rainy season months, given the early onset of hot and humid weather and living conditions and water storage in some areas that create favorable conditions for disease-carrying mosquitoes to thrive, Mr. Son predicted.

Battling Dengue: Scott O'Neill, PhD, CEO of The World Mosquito Program

Deputy Director Vo Hai Son stated that in recent years, dengue fever in Vietnam has shown a cyclical increase, alternating with years of high incidence. However, in addition to cyclical factors, there are now many contributing factors such as warmer weather, erratic rainfall, rapid urbanization, high population density, and the presence of numerous water-holding containers in residential areas. These factors can cause outbreaks to appear earlier, last longer, and be more difficult to control if the community does not consistently maintain preventive measures. Therefore, surveillance and prevention efforts need to be carried out continuously, not just during the peak season.

However, a segment of the population still lacks a full understanding of dengue fever prevention and control. Many believe that disease-transmitting mosquitoes only breed in dirty water, while in reality, Aedes mosquitoes often lay their eggs in containers of clean or relatively clean water in and around the house, such as jars, pots, flower vases, buckets, water trays, and old tires. Furthermore, many rely primarily on chemical spraying, while the most important and sustainable measure remains eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and destroying mosquito larvae weekly. Aedes mosquitoes typically bite during the day, so it’s necessary to proactively prevent mosquito bites during the day as well, not just at night. If symptoms suggestive of the disease appear, people should not self-treat at home but should seek medical attention for examination, monitoring, and timely treatment.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)

Monitoring data from the beginning of 2026 to date shows that the country has recorded approximately 26,000 cases and 8 deaths. In March 2026 alone, the average weekly number of cases increased compared to the previous month.

Test results from several samples indicate that the EV71 strain is circulating at a significant rate. This virus strain is often associated with a higher risk of severe illness, therefore the health sector is closely monitoring the situation to implement appropriate response measures.

“There are several factors contributing to the recent increase in hand, foot, and mouth disease. First, the early onset of hot and humid weather creates favorable conditions for the pathogen to circulate. In addition, the circulation of the EV71 strain increases the risk of recording severe cases. On the other hand, the disease mainly affects young children, especially those under 5 years old, a group that lacks sufficient personal hygiene awareness and often spends time together in nurseries and kindergartens, thus increasing the risk of transmission. If children are not detected early and kept home from school in time, the disease can spread widely in the classroom and community,” said Mr. Vo Hai Son.

To proactively prevent illness, parents need to regularly monitor their children’s health, especially those under 5 years old. If a child shows suspicious symptoms such as fever, mouth sores, or a rash on the hands, feet, or buttocks, they should be taken to a medical facility for examination and guidance on care and treatment. Children with the illness should stay home from school to prevent spreading the disease to other children. Schools need to improve hygiene in classrooms, toys, and frequently touched items; monitor children’s health; and cooperate closely with parents and medical facilities in early detection and timely treatment of suspected cases.

According to Department of Health (DOH) statistics, 1,627 cases were recorded from the beginning of 2026 to March 21, a 45 percent increase compared to the 1,121 cases reported during the same period last year.

Health officials report that approximately seven out of 10 cases were completely unvaccinated (more than 1100).

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) recorded the highest number of cases at 344; followed by Soccsksargen (322); Davao Region (163); the National Capital Region (158); and Central Luzon (154).

Pertussis in the Philippines

The current national Measles-Rubella vaccination coverage stands at roughly 66 percent of the eligible population, leaving about 821,000 children unprotected.

This and the increase in cases prompted the DOH to reiterate that community-wide vaccination is the only way to protect infants who are still too young for the shots.

Other news from the Philippines:

Philippines: Officials issue advisory because of scombroid poisoning linked to mackerel tuna

Philippines: FDA seize counterfeit anti-rabies vaccines

Philippines: Quezon City reports rise in leptospirosis, Dengue cases down

The CHP recorded seven and eight cases of hepatitis A infection in February and March respectively, which are fewer than in January (15 cases). The CHP's epidemiological investigations showed that all eight cases recorded in March involved males, aged between 28 and 61. Two of them self-identified as men who have sex with men (MSM).

As of March 31, this cluster involved a total of 27 cases (25 men and two women).

"In light of the infection cluster among a specific group during the past six months, the CHP has offered an appointment service since March 12 to provide MSM with two doses of hepatitis A vaccine free of charge with the aim of controlling the transmission chain. In less than a month, over 60 people have made appointments for vaccination. The CHP urged MSM to book their vaccination as soon as possible through the newly launched online booking platform in order to protect their personal health,"according to Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.

Hepatitis A virus is primarily transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, or contaminated hands before eating. The virus can also be transmitted through high-risk sexual contact. The incubation period of hepatitis A is usually 14 to 28 days, though it can last up to 50 days. Due to the long incubation period, symptoms such as fever, malaise, abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea and jaundice may not appear until one to two months after infection.

Hepatitis A and the Hep A vaccine

Scientific literature indicates that, apart from foodborne transmission, hepatitis A outbreaks have occurred among MSM populations in many regions worldwide in the past. Due to the long incubation period, outbreaks transmitted through person-to-person contact tend to persist longer. Between 2015 and 2017, Hong Kong also experienced hepatitis A transmission chains involving MSM, which were successfully interrupted by vaccinating the affected groups at risk.

Other news from Asia:

Philippines: Officials issue advisory because of scombroid poisoning linked to mackerel tuna

Japan measles cases near 200 in first 3 months of 2026

Taiwan: Locally acquired, human H7N7 avian influenza case reported

Iloilo

Officials in Iloilo province have reported at least 20 people in the province falling ill after consuming “aloy” or “tulingan,” prompting health authorities to issue a temporary advisory against buying and eating the fish while an investigation is ongoing.

The Iloilo Provincial Health Office reminds the public to temporarily avoid the purchase and consumption of aloy and tulingan fish while the case of food poisoning associated with the consumption of these fish is still being investigated.

Nineteen of the cases were residents of the province. The cases were distributed to the following areas: Six cases were recorded in Passi City; three each in the towns of Dumangas, Banate, Balasan, and San Enrique; and one case each in Dueñas and Mina towns.

Negros Occidental

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources–Negros Island Region (BFAR-NIR) reports closely monitoring recent reports of food poisoning cases in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, linked to the consumption of Aloy and/or Tulingan.

Around 15 people suffered allergic reactions from consuming the fish.

Ten patients were treated for allergic reactions at the city’s emergency clinic, while four individuals with pre-existing conditions, including asthma, were admitted to Cadiz District Hospital for observation. Another patient received outpatient care, Escalante said.

The fish involved had been transported from Iloilo on Sunday night and sold to residents the following morning.

BFAR-NIR said they are currently investigating the incident. Based on preliminary reports, the symptoms are consistent with Scombroid Fish Poisoning.

Scombroid fish poisoning

Scombroid poisoning is a type of food intoxication caused by the consumption of scombroid and scombroid-like marine fish species that have begun to spoil with the growth of particular types of food bacteria. Fish most commonly involved are members of the Scombridae family (tunas and mackerels), and a few non-scombroid relatives (bluefish, dolphin or mahi-mahi, and amberjacks). A few additional species have been implicated, but they are of less concern relative to popular fish consumption.

The suspect toxin is an elevated level of histamine generated by bacterial degradation of substances in the muscle protein. This natural spoilage process is thought to release additional by-products which potentiate the toxic effect. The potential toxins are not destroyed by freezing, cooking, smoking, curing or canning.

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Symptoms of scombroid poisoning can become evident within minutes to 2 hours following consumption. This rapid onset is one reason scombroid poisoning may be reported more often than many other food poisonings which react much slower. Initial signs suggest an allergic response with facial flushing and sweating, burning-peppery taste sensations about the mouth and throat, dizziness, nausea and headache. These initial symptoms can advance to facial rash, hives, edema, short term diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Severe cases may blur vision, and cause respiratory stress and swelling of the tongue. Symptoms usually last for approximately 4 to 6 hours and rarely exceed one to two days.

Remember potential scombrotoxic fish belong to a particular group of species that have been allowed to initially spoil. These species should always receive special care in handling, washing, and proper icing, refrigeration or immediate freezing to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. Studies have demonstrated toxic histamine levels can be generated within less than 6 to 12 hours exposure without ice or refrigeration. This problem is of particular concern immediately after catch aboard a commercial or recreational boat. Likewise, the recreational catch lying on a warm dock or beach is prone to histamine production in certain species.

About one quarter of the cases have been reported in Tokyo (48), followed by Kagoshima (24), Aichi (23) and Kanagawa (19).

This is a 240 percent increase in cases compared to the same period in 2025 when 58 cases were reported.

The main factor behind the increase is believed to be the spread of the virus brought in by people who were infected in outbreak areas overseas.

The operation, undertaken pursuant to a duly issued search warrant following surveillance and intelligence validation, uncovered the illegal manufacture and distribution of falsified vaccines. Evidence establishes deliberate intent to counterfeit through relabeling and misrepresentation. Seized items included sticker labels, hologram adhesive tapes, vaccine cartons, unlabeled vials, and diluents used to misrepresent the identity and legitimacy of the products.

Clear violations in cold chain management were likewise documented, compromising the safety, quality, and efficacy of the vaccines. These acts pose serious risks to public health, including treatment failure and potential loss of life.

The accused were taken into custody and committed to the NBI Detention Facility, and criminal charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9711or The Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009 and Republic Act No. 8203 or Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs, were thereafter filed.

The FDA reiterates that such acts constitute serious offenses subject to full regulatory and criminal enforcement.

Health facilities are hereby advised to procure vaccines strictly from FDA-licensed distributors and pharmacies, and to exercise due diligence in verifying procurement documents and ensuring product traceability.

The patient is a man in his 70s from central Taiwan who works in poultry farming and has a history of chronic illness. He developed symptoms of runny nose, cough, and body aches on March 20th and sought medical attention at a hospital on March 22nd due to fever. He was admitted to the hospital on the same day.

The patient has been cured and discharged from isolation today after clinical treatment. The patient's condition has continued to improve and all tests have been negative. The patient will continue to be monitored until April 6.

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said no drug-resistant mutations were found, and the virus remains sensitive to antiviral drugs.

CDC explained that since 1959, more than 90 human cases of H7N7 have been reported globally, concentrated before 2003, mainly in Europe. Of these, only one case resulted in death, and the vast majority were mild cases of conjunctivitis. Subsequently, Italy reported three cases in 2013, also mild cases of conjunctivitis. No new human cases have been reported since 2013, but the virus continues to spread and evolve in birds. The genetic analysis of the first H7 case in Taiwan showed that it was significantly different from the H7 cases in European human cases 10-20 years ago, and most similar to the H7 cases detected in wild birds in Taiwan over the years. No mutations related to enhanced bird-to-human transmission were found, and it is judged to be an isolated event with manageable risks.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reiterates its reminder that workers in the poultry and livestock industries should adhere to disease prevention guidelines, including wearing protective equipment and proper disinfection after handling. If respiratory or eye symptoms develop, seek medical attention immediately and inform the animal contact history. The public should also follow the “5 Dos and 6 Don’ts” principle to avoid contact with or purchase poultry and livestock products from unknown sources, jointly safeguarding public health and safety.

History on the two cases are as follows:

1. The first case is a 30-year-old male with no recent travel history, who reported having sexual contact recently. He developed symptoms on 25 March 2026 and was admitted to hospital on 30 March. On 31 March, laboratory testing confirmed infection with mpox clade Ib. The case is in a stable condition and has since been discharged. He has been placed on home isolation until 20 April, pending further clinical review.

2. The second case is a 34-year-old male who reported recent travel history and sexual contact. He had prolonged physical contact with the first case recently. He developed symptoms on 26 March 2026 and sought medical care on 31 March. Laboratory testing confirmed infection with mpox clade Ib on 1 April. His condition is stable, and he has been placed on home isolation until 21 April, pending further clinical review.

Investigations and contact tracing are ongoing for both cases.

Mpox is predominantly transmitted through intimate or prolonged physical contact, including sexual contact. Population-wide vaccination is therefore not recommended.

As mpox is predominantly transmitted through intimate or prolonged physical contact, including sexual contact, the risk to the general public is currently low.

Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. There are two distinct clades of the virus: clade I (with subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb). Mpox is predominantly reported in parts of Central Africa (for clade I) and West Africa (for clade II) where it is endemic. Mpox clade IIb has been circulating at low levels globally since 2022 while mpox clade Ib has been detected primarily in travel-related cases worldwide since 2024, with some countries beyond Africa reporting community transmission.

The public should remain vigilant and protect themselves from mpox by avoiding high-risk sexual activities, such as engaging in casual sex or having multiple sexual partners. In addition, travellers to countries affected by mpox should practise good hand hygiene, reduce physical contact with persons who are unwell and avoid consumption of bushmeat. Travellers should seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever or rash within 21 days from their return. They should inform the doctor of their travel and exposure history.

The first case involves a 75-year-old male with underlying illnesses living in Sai Kung District. He presented with a fever, cough and shortness of breath on March 22. He has been hospitalized and treated and is currently in stable condition. His clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and his clinical sample was confirmed to be positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei upon testing. He was previously diagnosed with melioidosis in September 2024 and had recovered after hospitalisation. The possibility of a relapsed infection could not be excluded.

The second case involves a 71-year-old male with underlying illnesses living in Yuen Long District. He was hospitalized and treated. His clinical diagnosis was septicaemia and his clinical sample tested positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei. He is currently in stable condition and has been transferred to Pok Oi Hospital for other treatment.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) is investigating the infection source of the cases. Initial epidemiological investigations revealed that the two cases are sporadic. No epidemiological linkages have been established between the two cases and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong.

The CHP appealed to members of the public to maintain personal and environmental hygiene to prevent melioidosis. The CHP also specifically reminded high-risk groups, including the elderly and people with underlying diseases, to avoid contact with soil or muddy water after typhoons or storms with a view to lowering infection risk.

Melioidosis is an endemic disease in Hong Kong, and melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong each year.

Melioidosis cases are more common after typhoons or rainstorms. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei in soil and muddy water may become exposed to the ground after typhoons or rainstorms, and the bacteria could spread more easily with strong winds or rainstorms. As such, the number of melioidosis cases may increase.

With this in mind, where practicable, members of the public should stay indoors during typhoons and rainstorms, avoid travelling to areas with potential flooding, and not wade in or have contact with muddy water and soil. In addition, high-risk individuals should avoid paths near stormwater drains where aerosols may be generated from contaminated water.

During the first three months of the year, more than 25,000 HFMD cases have been reported nationally, a more than 400 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025 (4900).

In addition, four deaths have been reported this year to date.

More than seven out of 10 cases were reported in the southern region with 18,031 cases.

The majority of HFMD cases occur in children aged 1-5 years (accounting for 92.7%). The number of pediatric patients seeking examination and treatment at healthcare facilities has increased rapidly, with many severe cases.

In particular, laboratory results show the prevalence of enterovirus 71 (EV71), a highly virulent pathogen capable of causing severe neurological complications, rapid progression, and increased risk of death.

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HFMD is a common illness that usually causes fever, mouth sores, and skin rash. It can spread quickly at schools and day care centers. Most people get better on their own in 7 to 10 days.

Symptoms may include: fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores that blister and a rash commonly found on the hands and feet. Complications from HFMD are rare.

HFMD is most common in infants and children younger than 5 years old.

HFMD can spread through contact with: Droplets with virus particles made after person sneezes, coughs, or talks; objects and surfaces that have virus particles, fluid from blisters and feces.

HFMD is very contagious. To help prevent catching or spreading HFMD:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, using the toilet, and coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

• Help children wash their hands and keep blisters clean.

• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items, including toys and doorknobs.

• Avoid close contact with an infected person, such as hugging or kissing them.

Suspected and confirmed cases of HFMD must not go to school or work. They must isolate at home for seven to 10 days or until their fever is gone or their wounds are healed.

The Department of Health (DOH) also advises against the ritual because of tetanus and other bacterial infections.

DOH officials have said in the past that even if the penitents use nails or whips that have been sterilized, there is no assurance that they would not cause infection because of exposure to various elements in the course of penitence.

In addition, they do not recommend taking prophylaxis or preventive antibiotics before the penitence as this could contribute to anti-microbial resistance.

Tetanus is a rare, but a very serious vaccine-preventable disease that causes significant illness and can be fatal. Also called lockjaw, it is a disease caused by bacteria that affects the body’s muscles and nerves.

Podcast: Tetanus: Symptoms, treatment, prevention and more

Symptoms of tetanus include muscle spasms in the jaw, difficulty swallowing, and stiffness or pain in the muscles of the neck, shoulders, or back. The spasms can spread to the muscles of the abdomen, upper arms, and thighs. Approximately 11 percent of reported cases of tetanus are fatal.

Tetanus can occur in people who have a skin or deep tissue wound or puncture and who are not up-to-date on their tetanus vaccinations.

Tetanus cannot be spread from person to person.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent tetanus. Widespread vaccination against tetanus is critical to controlling the disease.

The patient has been isolated in hospital and is receiving intensive medical care.

Upon investigation, it was revealed that the patient’s home has chickens and ducks, including some sick and dead chickens, which the child had played around.

The emergency response teams of the national and sub-national ministries of health have been collaborating with the teams of the provincial agriculture departments and local authorities at all levels to actively investigate the outbreak of bird flu and respond according to technical methods and protocols, find the source of transmission in both animals and humans, and search for suspected cases and contacts to prevent further transmission in the community, as well as distribute Tamiflu to close contacts and conduct health education campaigns among residents in the affected villages.

The Ministry of Health would like to remind all citizens to always pay attention to and be vigilant about bird flu because H5N1 bird flu continues to threaten the health of our citizens. We would also like to inform you that if you have a fever, cough, runny nose, or difficulty breathing and have a history of contact with sick or dead chickens or ducks within 14 days before the onset of symptoms, do not go to gatherings or crowded places and seek consultation and examination and treatment at the nearest health center or hospital immediately. Avoid delaying this, which puts you at high risk of eventual death.

Related:

H5N1 avian influenza: Cambodia reports 2nd human case of 2026

Indonesia health officials concerned of measles spread during Eid al-Fitr holiday, encourages vaccination

Vietnam: Sharp increase in hand, foot, and mouth disease hospitalizations

The Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) reports thirty-one (31) cases of leptospirosis from January 1 to March 26, 2026.

This compares to 18 cases reported in Quezon City during the same period in 2025.

Nineteen (19) of the cases or 61% are 31 years old and older. Leptospirosis affects men the most (26 cases). Four (4) deaths related to leptospirosis have also been recorded.

Dengue fever

Quezon City has recorded 1,716 cases of dengue from January 1 to March 19, 2026. It's 60% less than the number of dengue cases citywide during the same period in 2025. Based on data, those aged 20 and younger are most affected (1,256 cases or 73%).

District 2 recorded the highest dengue case (595 cases) followed by District 5 (263 cases). Ten (10) dengue-related deaths have also been recorded across the city this year.

Measles

Measles cases in Quezon City have reached 116 from January 1 to March 26 this year. Children aged 10 and younger are most affected (90 cases or 78%).

The highest number of cases were recorded in District 2 (52 cases), followed by District 4 (26 cases), District 6 (22 cases) cases, District 3 (7 cases) and District 1 (5 cases), and District 5 (4 cases). There have been no reported deaths associated with the disease.

To prevent the increase of measles cases especially among children, the local government’s surveillance, outbreak response immunization, health education, and prevention campaigns are being conducted.

The child was bitten by a stray dog on February 11 and only washed the wound and did not seek out post exposure prophylaxis.

He started to show symptoms in early March and was hospitalized and died March 18.

This is the third human rabies case of the year in Sarawak and the 93rd since the outbreak was declared in July 2017.

World Rabies Day Livestream Special

Sarawak health officials also announced the shift in transmission patterns in the state as the number of animal bite cases from cats is rising, rising above bites from stray dogs.

From Jan 1 to March 14 this year (up to Epidemiological Week 10), a total of 4,623 animal bite cases were reported in Sarawak, with an average of 462 cases recorded each week.

Of the total, 2,875 cases (62.2 per cent) involved bites or scratches from cats, followed by 1,687 cases (36.5 per cent) involving dog bites. Another 61 cases (1.3 per cent) involved bites from other animals.

The patient is a 3-year-old boy with good past health. He presented with a fever and vomiting on March 17. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital the following day (March 18) and admitted for treatment. He is currently in a serious condition. His blood and cerebrospinal fluid specimens tested positive for meningococcus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis is meningitis.

An initial investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His household contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has prescribed preventive drugs to them, and the investigation is ongoing. Initial findings suggest that this is a sporadic case.

There is no evidence suggesting an epidemiological linkage between this case and previously confirmed cases in Hong Kong or the recent outbreak in the UK.

In response to the recent outbreak of invasive meningococcal infection in Kent, the United Kingdom (UK), the CHP has stepped up health screenings at the airport on related inbound travellers exhibiting suspected symptoms, with a view to promptly refer suspected cases to hospitals for examination. So far this year, Hong Kong has not recorded any cases of invasive meningococcal infection among people arriving from the UK.

Meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is mainly transmitted by direct contact with respiratory secretions, including droplets from the nose and throat, of infected persons. Severe illness may result when the bacteria invade the bloodstream (meningococcemia) or the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis). Meningococcemia is characterised by a sudden onset of fever, an intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningococcal meningitis is characterised by high fever, severe headache, stiff neck followed by drowsiness, vomiting, fear of bright light, or rash; it can cause brain damage or even death.