Cambodia: Dengue fever outbreak

Event

According to Cambodian health officials, at least 5284 cases of dengue fever have been reported nationwide in the first six months of 2018, representing an increase of nearly 235 percent over the same period in 2017. In addition, at least 10 dengue-related fatalities were confirmed over the same period. Public health measures, including fumigation campaigns aimed at eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, are anticipated in the coming weeks.

Context

Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rashes. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, the enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging. 

Advice

Individuals in Cambodia are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites - by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito netting or in an air-conditioned room - and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds (e.g. small pockets of fresh water, such as rainwater that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).