Dengue Fever in Cambodia
12 Apr 2013
The Health Ministry for Cambodia's national dengue control programme has reported at least 1500 cases of dengue fever in the first quarter of 2013. This compares with 1365 for the same time period in 2012; a 10% increase. Most cases are children between the ages of 5-14-years-of -age and 8 have died as a result.
In Cambodia, the dengue season begins with the onset of the rainy season in May until October. In 2012, 42 362 cases were recorded nationally with 189 deaths in children.
Advice for Travellers
Cambodia is a popular tourist destination and travellers should be aware of the risk of dengue fever. Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by covering up with clothing, the use of bite avoidance measures such as repellent and bed nets is advised. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised for longer term stays.