Ministry of Health and the World Health Organizaton
Phnom Penh, 3 September 2009

The Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Cambodia would like to advise the public that as of 31 August 2009, the number of laboratory-confirmed cases of New Influenza A(H1N1) in Cambodia has risen to 31. All of these cases experienced an influenza illness similar to seasonal influenza and have fully recovered.

Although the majority of cases contracted the H1N1 virus in other countries or had been in direct contact with travellers, there are now indications that local transmission of the New Influenza A(H1N1) is occurring within Cambodia. Five people have been confirmed as having contracted the virus locally with no history of travel or contact with travellers.

As of 28 August 2009, there were more than 209,438 WHO-confirmed cases of New Influenza A(H1N1) from more than 180 countries. Globally, the case fatality rate is around 1 percent. The virus has now become so widespread that countries are no longer required to report individual cases to WHO.

The Ministry of Health will continue to keep the public informed of developments via the Ministry of Health website. From 3 September 2009, situation updates will be posted on a weekly basis and will include cumulative number of cases.

The MoH continues to monitor the situation closely and requests members of the public to stay at home if they develop flu like symptoms and call the MoH hotline for further advice and guidance. In an effort to slow down the spread of the disease in Cambodia, individuals who test positive for new influenza A(H1N1) will be requested to undergo treatment and isolation either at home or at a hospital, for seven days from onset of symptoms.

The MoH is working collaboratively with other ministries, agencies and development partners to ensure the effective coordination of activities for public health and safety. Measures include continued entry screening at all international airports and border crossings, enhancement of hospital capacity, ongoing public education campaigns and preparations for school opening in October.

Public Health Advice:

Protect yourself and your family:

The most effective way to prevent the spread New Influenza A(H1N1) virus is to practice good basic personal hygiene at all times and to teach good hygiene practices to children:

• Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of tissue in a bin;
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water;
• Do not spit in public;
• Avoid close contact with sick people.

How to recognize influenza and what to do about it:

The symptoms of New Influenza A(H1N1) are similar to seasonal influenza and include: high fever above 38 oC, coughing, sore throat, headache, muscle ache, runny nose and weakness.

Anyone who has these symptoms should stay at home, avoid crowded places and call the Influenza Hotline for further advice and guidance. Only severe cases need hospitalization.

Treatment is the same as for regular seasonal influenza and includes: drinking lots of liquids, rest and paracetamol to reduce fever and muscle aches.

Infection can be transmitted from one day before up to seven days after the onset of symptoms.

Most cases do not require antiviral medication.  There is currently no vaccine available for New Influenza A(H1N1) and it is unlikely that a vaccine will become widely available for some time.

For more information about New Influenza A(H1N1) please call the Influenza Hotline:
115 (free call)
012 488 981 
089 669 567

For media enquiries, please contact:

Ministry of Health
Dr Sok Touch: Telephone +855 012 856 848
Dr Ly Sovann: Telephone +855 012 825 424

World Health Organization
Dr Michael O'Leary: Telephone +855 023 216 610
Dr Nima Asgari: Telephone +855 023 216 610