The Cambodia Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, is currently conducting an active investigation of an unknown disease in Cambodia. The focus of the investigation is in finding out the
cause of the disease for appropriate treatment and control.
Cases of severe respiratory disease with neurological symptoms have been reported to the Ministry. To date, 61 of the 62 children admitted in hospitals have died from the disease.
The Ministry was first alerted to this issue by the physician of Kantha Bopha Children's Hospital in Phnom Pehn. The unknown disease starts with high fever followed by respiratory and/or neurologic symptoms with rapid deterioration of respiratory functions. Majority of the cases came from the southern part of the country. No apparent clustering of cases had been seen so far.
"MoH and WHO are currently investigating the cases and possible causes of the disease are being considered but definite identification of the cause and source may take some time," according to H.E. Man Bung Heng, Minister of Health.
Neighbouring countries have already been officially informed through a posting made through the International Health Regulations (IHR) event information system. All National IHR focal points have also been informed.
Dr Nima Asgari, Team leader of the WHO Country Office in Cambodia said that "WHO is closely monitoring the situation and is providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Health on field epidemiology, clinical management and active case finding."