All nine patients are believed to have been exposed to sick or
dead poultry, according to health authroties. H5N1 typically
spreads between birds, but can jump to humans, especially if
they're living in close proximity. The greatest risk of exposure
to the virus is through the handling and slaughter of infected
poultry. "Home slaughtering and preparation of sick or dead
poultry for food is hazardous: this practice must stop," said
Dr. H.E. Mam Bunheng, the Cambodian minister of health, in a
statement. "Children also seem to be most vulnerable and are at
high risk because they like to play where poultry are found. I
urge parents and guardians to keep children away from sick or
dead poultry and prevent them from playing with chickens and
ducks." Health teams are carrying out "enhanced surveillance" in
the villages and communities where bird flu cases have been
reported, according to the World Health Organization. Officials
are also telling people with flu-like symptoms who have
difficulty breathing to seek medi