Description of the situation
15 July 1998
Disease Outbreak Reported
The Ministry of Health has reported a cholera outbreak in Paoy Pet Commune, Banteay Manchey Province in the north-west of the country. The outbreak started on 14 June 1998 and has so far affected three villages - Khaal Spean, Baliley and Kilo Leek Buon. Up to 29 June 69 cases and 15 deaths were reported. Control measures are being carried out by the Banteay Meanchey provincial health authorities (Ministry of Health).
Current control measures include the following:-
- Paoy Pet Health Center is functioning as a Cholera Treatment Center which is open 24 hours a day.
- New case-finding is being carried out in Paoy Pet.
- A health education campaign by Banteay Meanchey health staff including interpersonal and mass media communication directed at the general public and village chiefs in and near Paoy Pet.
- Regular analysis of the cholera situation by collaborating with Banteay Meanchey Health Department, the Ministry of Health, MSF, UNDP/CARERE and the WHO country and Regional offices.
In 1997 a total of 155 cholera cases were reported in Cambodia but in 1996 and 1995 a much higher number of cases occurred (4190 and 3085 cases respectively).