Monkey Pox case identified in PP – Khmer Times

The Ministry of Health announced yesterday the discovery of a man infected with Monkey Pox in Phnom Penh.

The 28-year-old man from Pesey village, Toek Thla commune in Sen Sok district developed symptoms similar to genital warts on November 30 which later spread to the right side of his neck, cheeks, forearms and legs, so he was sent for testing at the National Institute of Public Health on Monday.

The man tested positive for the Monkey Pox virus and was placed in hospital isolation, however, the ministry in a statement did not specify where the man contracted the disease.

The ministry said: The Ministry of Healths emergency response team is now working with authorities to locate the source of the infection, as well as identify other suspected cases to prevent transmission in the community, as well as conduct health education campaigns in the village where the man resides.

Ly Sovann, Director of the Communicable Disease Control Department, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

The ministry has advised health workers to implement preventive and control measures in hospitals and health centres to stop further infections, especially to remain vigilant and identify patients suspected of having Monkey Pox symptoms and isolate them.

The virus is transmitted from person to person through sexual contact and direct contact with wounds, body fluids, and contact with or use of a patients belongings.

The ministry added that the virus is also transmitted from mother to child through the umbilical cord during or after birth and through direct contact with infected parents.

As a precautionary measure, the ministry recommends having sex with a condom and avoid multiple partners. Avoid contact with people showing Monkey Pox symptoms, do not share materials with patients and wear a mask if in the vicinity of a person with symptoms. In addition, regularly wash your hands with soap or alcohol.

The ministry also advised individuals suspected or confirmed of having Monkey Pox to be isolated. People showing symptoms should consult a doctor for testing of the virus or call 115 for advice and consultation.

Dr Quach Mengly, a public health expert, expressed concern over the discovery of Monkey Pox in Phnom Penh, noting that the disease is rare in Cambodia.

He said that although there are no reported deaths from Monkey Pox in Cambodia, everyone should still be very careful, especially in preventing the spread of the virus in the community as the virus is transmitted through sexual intercourse, body fluids and direct contact with patients.

He said that in addition to preventing the spread of the virus through hygiene measures, there is also a vaccine.

He said that if there was an outbreak of the disease in the community, the ministry would announce a vaccination campaign against the virus.

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Monkey Pox case identified in PP - Khmer Times