Cambodia Intensifies Vector-Borne Disease Control Amid Rainy Season and El Niño

The Ministry of Health of Cambodia has issued a directive on July 8th, urging the public to prevent dengue fever during the rainy season and to ensure timely treatment for patients at hospitals. The Ministry highlighted that the rainy season typically leads to an increase in water accumulation, which serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Concurrently, Cambodia is experiencing the influence of the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to cause rising temperatures across the Asia-Pacific region, including Cambodia. This situation could lead to an increase in mosquito populations and dengue fever cases, necessitating active participation from individuals, families, and communities. Research indicates that mosquitoes prefer to inhabit stagnant water in various containers such as discarded car and motorcycle tires, coconut shells, plastic cups, abandoned drums, jars, basins, water tanks, flower vases, table stands, and cupboards, all of which create sources of stagnant water and mosquito habitats. Mosquitoes tend to hide in dark places or areas with little sunlight. Therefore, the Ministry of Health reminds citizens and all levels of authorities to actively participate in reducing, monitoring, and preventing mosquito breeding. Adhering to the slogan "I and my family are a model family because my house and my residence are free of mosquito larvae," and implementing intervention measures with responsibility and high spirit to protect personal, family, and community health, as follows: Measure 1: If you or a family member experiences a sudden high fever of 39 to 40 degrees Celsius, seek consultation and treatment immediately at the nearest health center or hospital. It is advised to do so within at least 48 hours. For further questions or to report, call 115. Measure 2: Parents, guardians, and all children, along with local authorities, should actively participate in eliminating mosquito larvae in places with stagnant water, such as jars, water tanks, flower vases, table stands, cupboards, drums, and cups, by changing the water and cleaning regularly at least once a week, or by covering them properly. Cooperation with local health networks is also encouraged to apply larvicides in water tanks, water jars, and areas where fish are raised. Other water-holding materials that are no longer in use, such as car and motorcycle tires, bottles, cans, coconut shells, plastic bowls, and plastic containers, should be buried, burned, crushed, or stored properly to prevent water accumulation. Measure 3: Owners of construction sites and their workers are urged to clean their construction sites, eliminate water-holding objects and puddles, and store construction materials that can accumulate water in a proper, covered location to avoid water accumulation and eliminate mosquito breeding sources and habitats. This will help prevent the transmission of dengue fever to residents living within 150 meters of the construction sites. Measure 4: Business owners and operators involved in the car and motorcycle tire business must manage discarded tires that can accumulate water by stacking them and covering them tightly with boards or mosquito nets, or by pouring old engine oil into them, filling them with soil, or storing them under a roof. Measure 5: Eliminate mosquito habitats by cutting and clearing grass and weeds around the house. Maintain cleanliness within the home, organize clothing properly, and ensure good ventilation and sunlight. Doors and windows should have screens. Take protective measures by wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks to cover most of the body (preferably light-colored clothing, not black or dark). Use mosquito repellent sprays or lotions. Pregnant women can use these repellents safely. Sleep in mosquito nets during both day and night. Measure 6: Health departments of the 25 provinces and cities must collaborate with relevant authorities to inspect construction sites and promote effective implementation of mosquito reduction and prevention activities in their areas to help reduce the morbidity and mortality rates from dengue fever. The Ministry of Health will continue to provide information on public health issues through its official social media channels, website (www.moh.gov.kh), the official Facebook page of the Department of Communicable Disease Control, and the websites www.cdcmoh.gov.kh and www.cnm.gov.kh. For more information, contact the Ministry of Health's emergency hotline at 115, free of charge.