Dengue in Cambodia: 11-Year-Old, a Preventable Death, Cases Skyrocket

• Death of an 11-year-old child. His mother waited too long before taking him to the hospital, despite vomiting blood.
• Dengue cases rising sharply. The number of reported cases in Cambodia has increased significantly in 2026 compared to the previous year.
• Warning symptoms. Vomiting blood, severe abdominal pain, nose or gum bleeding, extreme fatigue.
• Critical window. Prompt care (within 24-48 hours after severe signs appear) reduces the risk of death.
• Recommendation. See a doctor immediately if you have sudden fever, especially if accompanied by pain behind the eyes, body aches, or nausea.

The tragedy reported by Cambodianess illustrates a recurring situation: delayed diagnosis, rapid deterioration, fatal outcome. Here are the key steps.

1. June 2026: The child has fever and muscle pain. The mother thinks it's just a cold.
2. Early July 2026: Symptoms worsen: vomiting, abdominal pain. The mother hesitates to seek care due to fear of medical costs.
3. Mid-July 2026: The child vomits blood. The mother rushes him to the hospital, but he is already in shock.
4. July 15, 2026: The child dies from hemorrhagic shock due to severe dengue.
5. July 2026: Cambodian health authorities launch an awareness campaign and call for vigilance.
6. Coming weeks: Strengthening of vector control measures (spraying, destruction of breeding sites) in high-risk areas.

Dengue affects all provinces, but some areas are more exposed. Here are the available data for 2026 (source: Ministry of Health).

• Know the warning signs. Sudden fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, body aches, nausea, vomiting. If vomiting blood or severe abdominal pain, go to the hospital immediately.
• Identify suitable clinics. In Siem Reap, international clinics (Royal Angkor International Hospital, First Care Clinic) offer rapid tests and treatment protocols.
• Don't wait. The mother's story shows that timing is crucial. Consult at the first symptoms, especially in children.
• Protect yourself from mosquitoes. Use repellent, sleep under a mosquito net, eliminate standing water around your home.
• Check your insurance. Make sure it covers hospitalization for dengue, including intensive care if needed.

1. Step 1: Eliminate breeding sites around your home: empty saucers under flower pots, cover water tanks, clean gutters.
2. Step 2: Wear long, light-colored clothing, especially during the day (Aedes mosquitoes bite mainly in the morning and late afternoon).
3. Step 3: Use a skin repellent containing DEET, icaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil. Reapply every 4 hours.
4. Step 4: Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net, even if your room is air-conditioned.
5. Step 5: If you have a fever, do not take aspirin or ibuprofen (risk of bleeding). Use paracetamol and drink plenty of water.
6. Step 6: See a doctor on the first day of fever for a rapid dengue test. Clinics in Siem Reap offer the NS1 test (blood) in 15 minutes.
7. Step 7: If diagnosed, follow medical advice: rest, hydration, monitoring for severe signs (vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding). Return to the hospital if symptoms worsen.