El Niño Phenomenon Fuels Dengue Fever Surge in Cambodia, Health Minister Warns

Professor Chheang Ra, Minister of Health, stated that climate change caused by the El Niño phenomenon is the primary driver behind the increase in dengue fever cases during this rainy season. During the 122nd leadership and innovation training session held via video conference on the afternoon of July 7th, with the participation of 3,100 health officials at all levels, the Minister explained that the El Niño phenomenon has led to rising temperatures, creating favorable conditions for the breeding of mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, which transmit dengue fever. The Ministry of Health has instructed all health bases to focus on health education and to be prepared to provide effective and timely preventive and curative services. Furthermore, it urges health bases to collaborate with communities and local authorities to eliminate mosquito breeding sites within communities and to promptly refer suspected dengue fever patients to the nearest public health facilities. According to Dr. Huy Rekol, Director of the National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Tropical Diseases, the number of dengue fever cases recorded so far this year is approximately 12,000, a figure comparable to the same six-month period last year. He added that the Ministry of Health is closely monitoring and strictly controlling the dengue fever situation to prevent its timely spread. Dr. Li Sovann, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Director of the Communicable Disease Control Department, stated that dengue fever is currently occurring throughout the country, especially in densely populated urban areas with abundant water accumulation that fosters the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, the vector for dengue fever. He also noted that this year falls within the typical 4-to-5-year cycle of dengue fever outbreaks. Dr. Sovann advised parents and guardians, along with local authorities, to actively participate in eliminating mosquito larvae in places where water collects, such as jars, water tanks, vases, and plant pot saucers, by changing water and cleaning them at least once a week, or by covering them securely. He also recommended collaborating with local health networks to apply larvicides in water storage containers, tanks, or areas where fish are raised, if feasible. Other water-collecting items left unused, such as old tires, bottles, cans, coconut shells, plastic bowls, and plastic containers, should be buried, burned, crushed, or stored properly to prevent water stagnation. He also urged individuals experiencing sudden high fever (39-40°C) to seek immediate consultation and treatment at the nearest health center or hospital for timely and appropriate medical care. For cases of fever in children or a high incidence of dengue fever in a village or community, people are advised to call 115.