On 27 January 2020 the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Cambodia, in accordance with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), confirmed with WHO that the first case of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) had been detected. The case is a 60-year-old male in Preah Sihanouk province who returned to Cambodia on a direct flight from Wuhan, China on 23 January. He was travelling with three family members.
The case-patient developed a fever and runny nose on 25 January and went to Preah Sihanouk Provincial Hospital on 26 January where samples were collected. He was confirmed positive on 27 January for novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) by sequencing at Institute Pasteur Cambodia.
The case-patient is currently under isolation, receiving treatment and is in stable condition. His three family members initially tested negative and are currently being closely monitored by the Ministry of Health.
Cases were anticipated
Cases in Cambodia were anticipated since WHO received its first report from China on 31 December 2019. The situation of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) event is still evolving with numbers changing daily. It is expected that more cases will continue to be reported to WHO globally.
“WHO is continuing to work closely with the Ministry of Health and partners to manage this situation. Having imported cases is not a surprise in this highly interconnected world. The most important actions are to detect early and respond rapidly. To do so, preparedness is the key”, stated Dr Li Ailan, WHO Representative for Cambodia.
Global situation
The situation of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) event is rapidly evolving with case numbers increasing daily. As of 27 January, the China National Health Commission reported a total of 4515 confirmed cases from 30 provinces and municipalities in mainland China including 976 severe cases and 106 deaths; in addition, 8 cases in Hong Kong SAR, 7 cases in Macao SAR and 4 cases in Taiwan, China.
In addition to China, Japan has reported 4 cases, Republic of Korea 3 cases, Viet Nam 2 cases, Singapore 4 cases, Australia 4 cases, Malaysia 4 cases, Thailand 5 cases, Nepal 1 case, USA 5 cases, Canada 1 case and France 3 cases.
Public health response
The Ministry of Health has been preparing for this response over the last several years guided by WHO’s Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases and Public Health Emergencies (APSED III). For the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) event, WHO is collaborating with the MoH to strengthen their managerial and technical response on the following measures:
- Point of entry (POE) measures with thermo-scanners established at three major airports and ground borders in Bavet Svay Reang Province, Prek Chak Kampot Province and Poy Pet Banteay Mean Chey Province;
- Strengthened surveillance: indicator-based surveillance for acute respiratory infection, influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI); event-based surveillance (MoH Hotline 115); and screening media on clusters of fever, ILI, SARI and animal deaths;
- Rapid response teams (RRTs) are ready with the ability to conduct: surveillance, investigation and response; sample collection; contact tracing/quarantine; packaging and transport to national lab; and infection prevention and control;
- Hospitals with readiness to respond with appropriate case management: Khmer-Soviet, Phnom Penh; Siem Reap Hospital; Sihanoukville Hospital; Kampong Cham Hospital; Kampot Hospital; Strung Treng Hospital
- Laboratory capacity for collection of samples nationwide and detection of 2019-nCoV at Institute Pasteur Cambodia, National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) and NAMRU-2;
- Risk communication through Ministry of Health press releases, spokespersons, CDC website, Facebook, television and radio;
- Logistics for personal protective equipment; and
- Coordination with other departments and sectors.
WHO and Ministry of Health, Cambodia advice for the public
WHO and the Ministry of Health’s recommendations for the general public to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses are as follows, which include hand and respiratory hygiene, and safe food practices:
- Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
- When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands;
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough;
- If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider;
- When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals;
- The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.
Further information
The Ministry of Health will continue to keep the public informed of developments via the MoH website www.cdcmoh.gov.kh and social media where relevant health education materials can also be downloaded.
For WHO updates, please visit www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019.