Cambodia Urges Heightened Dengue Fever Vigilance for Pregnant Women and Young Children

The Ministry of Health has urged pregnant women and parents of young children to heighten their vigilance against dengue fever, as the disease is currently on the rise. According to the ministry, dengue fever poses risks to both mothers and infants, with a particular concern for transmission to the fetus, especially during the final trimester of pregnancy. The ministry advises that individuals experiencing high fever exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, or skin rash should seek immediate medical attention at a hospital and refrain from self-medicating. To combat dengue fever among pregnant women, the Ministry of Health has developed procedures and guidelines for the prevention, care, and management of dengue fever in pregnant individuals, in response to the alarming increase in cases. During a videoconference on July 31st, Professor Im Sittikary, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Health and Chair of the Technical Working Group for the Prevention, Care, and Management of Dengue Fever in Pregnant Women, stated that improving the quality of maternal, infant, and child health services is a priority strategy for the ministry. Although maternal and infant mortality rates have been reduced, the ministry remains committed to strengthening care and treatment services, particularly antenatal care, to further reduce these rates more effectively. Dr. Sittikary instructed the working group that pregnant women with fever should be classified as high-risk (red code) and require strengthened multidisciplinary work, including obstetrics, emergency, anesthesia, pediatrics, laboratory, and the National Blood Center, to ensure quality and effective care and treatment. Emphasis should be placed on proper fluid management and blood preparation according to needs. Delivery decisions should be based on the actual situation and obstetrical assessment, and the monitoring and reporting system must be strengthened to provide data to the national program. Minister of Health, Dr. Chheang Ra, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to all levels of health leadership, hospital directors, health officials, local authorities, and all relevant parties for their active participation and cooperation in responding to the dengue fever prevention campaign. Furthermore, the minister reminded all public and private healthcare service providers to pay close attention to the accuracy of care and treatment in accordance with national standards and to proactively prepare to respond to potential future outbreaks of dengue fever.