PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Health calls on all those who have been in direct contact with the Nigerian Monkeypox patient to isolate and seek medical attention as soon as possible, and to provide information to medical professionals or call the emergency number 115 for information on receiving a medical examination, as well as to provide information on transmission so that cases can be traced and contained in time.

In a statement issued on Saturday, 23 July, Secretary of State and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Or Vandine, confirmed that Cambodian authorities had found a Nigerian man who had tested positive for Monkeypox and fled a treatment facility in Thailand to Cambodia.

The man was found at 5:30 pm on Saturday, 23 July, at a guesthouse on Street 430, Sangkat Toul Tompoung (around Phsar Doeum Thkov), Khan Chamkarmon, Phnom Penh.

The Ministry has advised those who have had direct contact with the Nigerian man to isolate themselves and monitor their health.

Dr. Or Vandine added, “Contact persons must be self isolated and seek medical examination and follow up asap.”

“Please continue to implement measures to prevent the spread of Monkeypox, which the Ministry has often issued, especially do not come in contact with Monkeypox patients or with wild animals, and make sure to eat well-cooked food. Keep your hands and body clean by washing your hands regularly with soap or alcohol sanitizer, and seek medical attention if you have any health problems or suspicions."

The 27-year-old Nigerian man and suspected Monkeypox patient, named Osmond Chihazrim, was transported by ambulance to the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital at 7:10 pm.