Cambodia Directs Schools to Enhance Hygiene Measures Against Dengue Fever

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports has issued measures to prevent and control dengue fever in public and private educational institutions, as the disease is on the rise, causing concern. In a directive dated July 14, concerning the implementation of dengue fever prevention measures and the reduction and control of mosquito breeding in educational institutions, His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, stated that with the aim of promoting the implementation of dengue fever prevention measures, reducing and controlling mosquito breeding in educational institutions, and cooperating with the intervention measures of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry instructs His Excellencies, Directors of Departments of Education, Youth and Sports of the Capital and Provinces, Directors of Bureaus of Education, Youth and Sports of the Municipal and District Administrations, managers of public and private educational institutions, educational staff, teachers, and all students to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and stagnant water in and around educational institutions. It is necessary to clean water-holding materials such as jars, water tanks, flower vases, table leg receptacles, water barrels, and buckets regularly, at least once a week, or to cover them tightly. It is also important to cut and clear bushes and weeds in and around schools to keep them clean. Students should wear long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and socks to cover their bodies completely. Open doors and windows to allow sufficient light and air circulation. Doors and windows should have screens. If possible, use sprays or lotions to prevent mosquitoes from coming close. Furthermore, cooperation with local health networks is required to apply larvicides to kill larvae in water tanks, jars, water storage, or places where specific fish can be raised. If symptoms of high fever, suddenly reaching 39 to 40 degrees Celsius, appear, consult and seek treatment immediately at the nearest health center or hospital, and call 115. In case of an epidemic or health risk during this rainy season, report to the nearest health personnel or relevant authorities in your locality for immediate resolution and rescue. On July 8, the Ministry of Health issued a reminder about preventing dengue fever during the rainy season and promptly sending patients for treatment. The Ministry appealed to authorities and citizens to actively participate in eliminating mosquito larvae in places where water is stagnant, such as jars, water tanks, flower vases, table leg receptacles, cabinets, water barrels, and buckets, which can lead to the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, the vectors of dengue fever. According to Dr. Huy Rerkul, Director of the National Center for Entomology, Malaria Control and Tropical Diseases, as of early July 2026, there have been approximately 12,000 dengue fever cases, a figure comparable to the same period in 2025.