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Cambodia confirms first case of Zika infection in 6 years

Xinhua, November 18, 2016 Adjust font size:

Cambodia confirmed its first case of the Zika virus on Friday in a man from southeastern Kampong Cham province, said a joint statement.

Issued by the country's health ministry and the World Health Organization, the statement said the virus, which has hit some Southeast Asian countries in recent months, was detected in a 44-year-old man from Kampong Siem district of Kampong Cham province.

The man was admitted to the provincial hospital on Oct. 14 on the suspicion of having dengue fever and recovered on Oct. 18.

"Institut Pasteur du Cambodge confirmed on Nov. 11, 2016 that the man was positive for Zika virus," the statement said. "This is the first case in 2016 and the 8th case since 2007 in Cambodia."

It said that the country found seven Zika cases between 2007 and 2010, and all the patients had recovered.

The Aedes mosquito-borne and sexually transmitted virus, which can cause severe birth defects, has spread to some Southeast Asian countries in recent months.

Symptoms of Zika include fever, headache, rash, red eyes, and joint pain, according to the statement. Most of the patients recover within 2 to 7 days, as fatal rate is very low.

However, if the virus is transmitted to pregnant women, it can lead to the death of babies in the wombs, or babies' heads are abnormally small, it said.

Health Minister Mam Bunheng called on the people, particularly pregnant women, to be extra vigilant and prevent themselves from being bitten by Aedes mosquitoes.

"We will take all necessary measures to prevent the spread of Zika," he said. "I would like to appeal to all leaders at local levels to educate people to eliminate the shelters of larvae, which are the sources of Aedes mosquitoes."

The minister also urged people to visit doctors when they have symptoms as mentioned above.

According to the statement, since 2007 until now, Zika virus has been reported in 73 countries and regions. Endit