Cambodia's dengue cases up 100% in early 2022

Dengue fever cases increased by over 100% in the first 22 weeks of this year, with 1,300 cases and three deaths. In January-May, the Ministry of Health reported 1,354 dengue cases.

Based on the entomology surveillance factor, together with escalating rain this year, the cases will add to this rainy period in a few provinces, especially those with more construction sites that are highly populated.

Health Minister Mam Bun Heng urged the public and local governments to prevent mosquito breeding with the slogan "My family are role models because my home has no mosquito larvae."

"Caregivers, parents and local authorities must destroy mosquito habitats. “Construction site owners and workers must clean up their sites," he said.

He urged everyone to live a healthy lifestyle by cleaning their homes, letting in sunlight, and washing and organising their clothes; it's also important to drain standing water sources like tyres and jugs where mosquitoes can breed.

The minister cautioned that dengue sickness can be grave if not treated quickly. Unprofessional private health care could kill, and Aspirin treatment is also dangerous.

Yellow fever mosquitoes that cause dengue live and breed in old tyres and are several times more harmful. Dengue fever cases multiply twice over during the rainy season and are linked to heat, rain, and humidity.

The ministry has 70,000 serums, 9,000 litres of disinfectant, and 400 tonnes of anti-dengue larvicide Abate ready to prevent dengue fever.