Cambodia

The number of laboratory-confirmed Pandemic Influenza A H1N1 cases has risen to 31.  There have been no deaths.  Although there has been no explosive increase in the number of cases, low level community transmission is on-going in Phnom Penh and Kandal province.  Two cases in Phnom Penh and five cases in Kandal have no history of foreign travel or contact with a confirmed case that travelled abroad in the week prior to onset of illness.

Global Situation

As of 28 August 2009, more than 209,438 laboratory confirmed pandemic H1N1 cases and at least 2,185 deaths have been reported officially to WHO from 186 countries.  Since countries are no longer required to test and report individual cases, the number of cases reported actually understates the real number of cases.

In the southern hemisphere, most countries (e.g. New Zealand, Australia) appear to have passed their peak of influenza activity and have either returned to baseline levels or are experiencing focal activity in later affected areas.  Many countries in tropical regions continue to see increasing or sustained high levels of influenza activity with some countries reporting moderate strains on the healthcare system.  In temperate areas of the northern hemisphere (represented by North America, Europe and Central Asia), influenza and respiratory disease activity remains low overall, with some countries experiencing localized outbreaks.  In Japan, the level of influenza activity has passed the seasonal epidemic threshold, signalling a very early beginning to the annual influenza season.

Pandemic H1N1 influenza virus continues to be the predominant circulating strain of influenza.  Antiviral susceptibility testing shows the virus remains sensitive to the antiviral oseltamivir (Tamiflu), except for sporadic reports of resistant pandemic H1N1 virus.

Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Cambodia still undertaking containment measures

The MoH continues to implement containment measures to slow down the spread of the virus. This strategy aims to prevent an explosive increase in the number of cases which could put a significant strain on the country's health care facilities (hospitals and clinics).

In collaboration with partners, the MoH has enhanced its surveillance activities at all border crossings. Thermal scanner screening of incoming passengers at Siem Reap and Phnom Penh International Airports continues. A new thermal scanner is being installed at Poipot on the Thai Cambodian border. All visitors to Cambodia are being requested to fill in Health Declaration Forms on arrival. An Information leaflet on Pandemic Influenza AH1N1 is given to arriving passengers which includes MoH hotline numbers to contact in case of flu-like illness.Surveillance systems to identify influenza-like illness are being strengthened across the country.

Persons with flu-like symptoms are encouraged to call the MoH Hotline (see numbers below). People with symptoms which meet the MoH case definition will be requested to undergo testing.  If found positive for the new H1N1 virus, they will be given a five day Tamiflu treatment course and asked to undergo isolation at home or in a hospital, for a period of seven days from onset of illness

WHO Cambodia Pandemic Related Activities

WHO continues to work with the MoH, the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) and other UN and Development partners in mobilising the MoH and UN Pandemic plans in accordance with the evolving influenza situation in Cambodia.  Among the activities are the following:

• In collaboration with the NCDM, UNICEF, UNRCO, FAO and NGOs, the development and phased release of IEC materials is underway for the general public and other target groups, e.g. health care workers, teachers, UN staff and briefings conducted for staff at airports and border crossings, Journalists, pharmacists, NGOs and industry sector.
• Rapid assessment of 5 hospitals with isolation wards has been completed and a workshop to enhance emergency preparedness for all provincial and national level hospitals will be conducted this month in Kampong Cham.
• In collaboration with the Education and Health Ministries, National Committee for Disaster Management and UNICEF, preparations are on-going for a meeting of school officials prior to opening of schools on October 1 to orient them on procedures to undertake in the event of cases among students and staff.  Soap or alcohol hand rub will also be distributed to schools along with hygiene messages.
• Assisting MoH in development of policies related to clinical management and vaccination (when vaccines become available).