The Cambodian Health Ministry and the World Health Organization said Wednesday afternoon that a 3-year-old girl died of Avian Influenza H5N1 on Wednesday, bringing the death toll to six and the number of cases to seven in the country so far this year.

The girl developed symptoms of fever and a red rash on Feb. 3 and was admitted to the Kantha Bopha Hospital in Phnom Penh on Feb. 6 when her condition had worsened.

"She was found positive for influenza H5N1 on Monday by the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, and she died on Wednesday," said a joint statement.

"There is evidence of recent deaths among poultry in the village and the girl had history of coming into contact with poultry prior to becoming sick," it said.

Cambodia first reported H5N1 in poultry in January 2004. To date, the country has recorded 28 human cases of the virus, leaving 25 people dead.

Minister of Health Mam Bunheng said bird flu is still a threat to Cambodians and children still seem to be most vulnerable.

"I urge parents and guardians to keep their children away from sick or dead poultry," he said. "If their kids have fast or difficult breathing, they should be brought to medical attention at the nearest health facilities."

The statement said that globally, there have been 619 laboratory confirmed cases of the H5N1 virus with 366 related deaths so far this year. Endi

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