The head of the Kingdom’s efforts to fight dengue fever has warned that cases of the mosquito-borne virus climbed by almost one-third in the first half of the year.
Leang Rithy, director of the National Dengue Control Programme (NDCP), stated that the 8,803 cases recorded in this six-month period represent a rise of 2,523 cases or 28.6 per cent compared to the 6,280 cases reported in the same period last year.
In 2024, Cambodia recorded a total of 18,987 cases, a 46 per cent decrease compared to 2023. The number of deaths also dropped by 54 per cent, with 46 deaths in 2024, compared to 99 deaths in 2023, when there were 35,390 reported dengue cases.
On June 22, the Cambodia Kantha Bopha Foundation shared that during the first four months of 2025, Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospitals treated over 615 children with dengue fever, five of whom passed away.
Dr. Men Monyrath, a pediatric specialist at Kantha Bopha, explained that severe dengue can occur due to improper treatment, delayed medical attention or specific strains of the virus.
She explained that children with dengue may show symptoms such as high fever, abdominal pain, red spots on the skin, and bleeding from the gums or nose. Parents who suspect their child has dengue fever should seek medical care promptly.
“Progression to severe dengue can result from improper treatment outside hospitals, such as overuse of medications or IV fluids, and delays in bringing children to hospital,” she added.
During the current rainy season, both Kantha Bopha Hospital and the Cambodia Kantha Bopha Foundation have called on parents to remain alert and protect their children from mosquitoes.
The two institutions also renewed calls to the public to support the “10,000 Riel, 10,000 People” campaign, emphasising that every contribution is valuable in helping save the lives of infants and children in Cambodia.
In May this year, Jayavarman VII Hospital successfully treated an 8-year-old boy from Preah Vihear province for severe dengue. At least three districts in Preah Vihear — Kulen, Sangkum Thmei and Tbeng Meanchey — have experienced serious dengue outbreaks, with at least one death reported.
Local health officials are currently conducting community education on dengue fever prevention, distributing Abate larvicide and spraying insecticide to control the mosquito population.
