Dengue Fever in Cambodia
01 May 2012
During the first three months of 2012, 1393 cases of dengue fever and 8 related deaths have been recorded in Cambodia. This denotes an increase of around 1000 cases compared with the same time period of 2011, when 339 cases and 4 deaths were recorded.
The Ministry of Health is preparing for an epidemic year in Cambodia as dengue fever outbreaks have been known to occur in 5 yearly cycles. In 2007, a dengue fever outbreak resulted in 40 000 cases with more than 400 related deaths (mostly among children).
Dengue fever awareness campaigns are underway. The campaign will focus on distributing insecticide to 10 provinces that are at higher risk of dengue fever, including Siem Reap, Preah Sihanouk, Kandal, and Phnom Penh.
Advice for Travellers
Travellers should be aware of the risk of dengue fever and be advised to use personal protection methods to avoid mosquito bites.