Mysterious Illness in Cambodia

An article in Chicago Tribune
by Rosemarie Francisco
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/sns-rt-us-cambodia-diseasebre8620dg-20120703,0,1069237.story

An Investigation by World Health Organization (WHO) into an unknown disease that has killed at least 60 children under age 7 since April of 2012. Mostly occurring in Southern Cambodia.

Symptoms of high fever, swelling around the brain and respiratory symptoms, the children deteriorate due to difficulty breathing. Symptoms usually related to pneumonia.

The WHO is working with the Cambodia Ministry of Health and other countries to find the cause and source of this disease. The WHO must continue to research the disease
to determine the cause.

Readers planning to travel to Camodia or South Vietnam can help protect themselves with frequent hand washing, using soap and hot water and using sanitary hand wipes
for wiping down surfaces in hotel room and other frequently touched areas, like airline seat trays and door handles.

Drink water only from sealed water bottles or travel with a water bottle & water filter system. Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables, eating them only steamed or cooked.

Because the majority of these cases are in children under age 11, pay close attention to any fever or change in mental status if traveling to this region with small children.

Seek medical attention as soon as possible if any of these symptoms occur.

Safe travels,

Nurse G