Koh Kong Province Sees Nearly 400 Dengue Fever Cases in Three Months

Koh Kong Province is experiencing a surge in dengue fever cases, with a total of 374 patients treated at the provincial hospital over the past three months, from April to June. Dr. Hai Laison, Director of the Provincial Referral Hospital, expressed concern, noting that the number of cases has increased by 250 patients, or 20.8%, compared to the same period last year, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures. While the medical team has successfully managed and treated severe cases to recovery, Dr. Laison strongly urges all citizens who suspect they have dengue fever symptoms to seek immediate medical attention at the hospital to avoid the disease progressing to a critical stage. In addition to explaining the reasons for the rise in cases, the hospital is advising the public to actively participate in cleaning and improving the hygiene of their living environments and to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, which are crucial for effectively preventing dengue fever. Key symptoms of dengue fever include high fever (39-40°C) for 2-3 days unresponsive to paracetamol, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, nosebleeds, blood in stool, vomiting blood, and lethargy. Doctors also caution against the use of Aspirin and note that days 4 to 5, when a child's fever breaks and they become lethargic, represent the critical phase. Two mothers, Ms. Sen Chan and Ms. Srey Ream, whose children were treated for dengue fever, reported significant improvement after 2-3 days of care. They initially sought treatment at private clinics but transferred to the provincial hospital when their children's conditions did not improve. These residents mentioned that their living areas have numerous mosquito breeding sites, such as flooded areas, garbage dumps, and old drainage systems, contributing to the ease with which dengue fever can spread, despite their efforts to prevent it. Following recovery, medical teams are intensifying educational outreach to the community on methods to eliminate dengue fever sources during the rainy season. This includes distributing larvicides, promoting the removal of mosquito habitats, encouraging the use of mosquito nets, and conducting insecticide spraying in homes and schools.