A highly contagious viral disease
The Cambodian Ministry of Health (MoH) reported a significant resurgence of measles on Saturday, with 375 cases confirmed between January and December 2024 in 17 provinces. This highly contagious viral disease is transmitted through the respiratory tract, particularly through coughing or sneezing.
Although measles is often considered a mild illness, it can cause serious complications, especially in malnourished young children or immunocompromised people. Among these complications, we find ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) which can cause neurological sequelae, and in some cases, death. According to the World Health Organization, measles remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths among children worldwide.
Symptoms to watch out for
The first symptoms usually appear 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. They include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and small white spots on the inside of the cheeks. A characteristic red rash then appears, usually between 7 and 18 days after exposure, first on the face and neck, then on the rest of the body.
The ministry invites parents to consult a doctor quickly if their children exhibit these symptoms.
Call for vaccination
To prevent the spread of the disease, the ministry encourages parents to vaccinate their children aged 9 to 59 months against measles and rubella free of charge at health centers nationwide.
A worrying return
Declared free of measles in March 2015, Cambodia recorded its first case of reappearance seven months later. The current increase in cases, particularly observed in schools and border provinces, highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to protect vulnerable populations.
