Cambodia Issues Dengue Fever Alert: High Fever as Key Symptom, Urging Immediate Medical Consultation

The Ministry of Health in Cambodia has issued a strong alert regarding the escalating risk of dengue fever transmission, particularly due to increased mosquito breeding during the rainy season, compounded by the influence of the El Niño phenomenon. The ministry emphasizes that sudden high fever, ranging from 39 to 40 degrees Celsius, is a primary symptom of the disease and urges immediate medical consultation for affected individuals. According to a directive issued on July 8th, the Ministry of Health is promoting widespread community participation in mosquito control efforts under the slogan, "Our family is a model because my house and my residence are free of mosquito larvae." This initiative encourages households to actively eliminate potential breeding sites for mosquitoes. Key recommendations include regularly changing and cleaning water in containers such as jars, tanks, flower pots, and buckets, or ensuring they are tightly covered. The use of larvicides in water storage areas is also advised. Furthermore, the directive calls for the proper disposal of discarded items that can collect water, including old tires, bottles, cans, coconut shells, and plastic containers, by burying, burning, or organizing them to prevent water accumulation. Construction site owners and workers are mandated to clean their sites, eliminate stagnant water, and store construction materials under cover to prevent water collection. This measure is crucial to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds and habitats within a 150-meter radius of construction sites, thereby preventing the spread of dengue fever to nearby residents. Business owners involved in activities such as selling used tires are instructed to manage discarded tires to prevent them from becoming water-collecting sites. This can be achieved by stacking them, covering them with tarpaulins or boards, filling them with old engine oil, or burying them. Alternatively, they can be stored under a roof. Beyond eliminating breeding sites, the ministry stresses the importance of clearing overgrown vegetation around homes to remove mosquito resting places. Maintaining cleanliness indoors, organizing clothes, and ensuring good ventilation and sunlight exposure are also recommended. Installing screens on windows and doors is advised to prevent mosquito entry. Individuals are encouraged to protect themselves by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, along with socks, to cover most of their bodies. Light-colored clothing is suggested as darker colors may attract mosquitoes. The use of mosquito repellent sprays or lotions is deemed safe, even for pregnant women. Sleeping under a mosquito net, both at night and during the day, is strongly advised. Finally, the Ministry of Health has directed provincial and municipal health departments to collaborate with relevant authorities to conduct regular inspections of construction sites and other potential breeding grounds. The aim is to effectively implement mosquito reduction and prevention measures within their jurisdictions, thereby contributing to a decrease in dengue fever morbidity and mortality rates. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local