PHNOM PENH: The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Or Vandine, has confirmed that after completing treatment, the Ministry of Health will hand over the Nigerian man, who tested positive for Monkeypox and fled from a treatment center in Thailand, to the police to continue with legal procedures.
Osmond Chihazirim, 27, escaped a treatment facility in Thailand and arrived in Cambodia on 22 July. Cambodian authorities located him in Phnom Penh one day after (23 July), and he was immediately transported to the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital for treatment. On the first night of his treatment, the man reportedly tried to escape again, but failed.
It has now been two days since Chihazirim was admitted to the hospital, and his condition remains normal and asymptomatic, according to Dr. Or Vandine. She underlined that after completing his treatment, he will be sent to the police to continue legal procedures.
"It depends on the administrative and legal procedures of Cambodia, especially the authorities, which he will deal with in the future,” said Dr. Or Vandine.
She also confirmed the condition of those who were directly in contact with Chihazirim, saying they are all in good condition and have not shown any symptoms of Monkeypox.
According to Article 8 of the Law on Measures to Prevent the Outbreak of Covid-19 and Other Deadly and Infectious Diseases, escape from medical treatment or from medical facilities prescribed by the Ministry of Health, or an attempt to escape, is a punishable offense with a sentence of one to five years in prison and a fine of five to 20 million riel (US $1,200 to $5,000). Causing transmission of the disease to others through this act is a punishable offense with an additional sentence of five to 10 years in prison.
However, the perpetrator may still be released from liability or face lenience if they disclose information to a health official or competent official, providing necessary cooperation for the benefit of the individual to prevent the spread of disease in a timely manner.
