23 Feb 2019 | 08:29 AM UTC
Cambodia: Dengue fever outbreak continues nationwide /update 2
Dengue fever outbreak continues nationwide; at least 1000 cases reported as of mid-February
Event
According to Cambodian health officials, at least 1000 cases of dengue fever have been reported nationwide between January 1 and mid-February. The most affected areas include Phnom Penh, as well as Kandal, Kampong Speu, and Siem Reap provinces. 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.).
