PHNOM PENH: The Communicable Disease Control Department (CDC) at the Ministry of Health has confirmed that no Monkeypox disease has been found in Cambodia so far. Six suspects were recently found, but all tested with negative results. The department still, however, urges citizens to be vigilant and monitor all suspected cases of the disease.

The Director of the CDC, Dr. Ly Sovann, has told EAC News that although no cases of Monkeypox have been reported in Cambodia, the government has ordered all border authorities to monitor all suspected cases coming in to the country. Moreover, he urges locals to raise awareness of the disease, as it has already spread in other countries, even those which have never recorded Monkeypox in the past.

He said, "Because there is a community outbreak, we have to be very careful. Because in the past this disease spread from Africa, it was exported to other countries, and once it was detected, it died down. But in recent cases, WHO experts have said it is now spreading within communities, so we must be careful. Because the disease is transmitted through droplets, like through coughing, sneezing, close contact with each other, or contact with pus from the blisters. But it is different from Covid-19 which is more contagious [and easier to spread] than through just coughing, so if we do not get vaccinated, it is very contagious! This [Monkeypox] disease, however, it only affects those through close contact.”

The CDC Director has urged the public to be vigilant and to follow up any suspected cases by going to the nearest hospital or calling 115, the emergency health service number.

Symptoms of Monekypox include rash or blisters on the hands, palms, feet, face, and one or more symptoms, such as fever over 38.5 degrees Celsius, muscle ache, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, and back pain.