Joint Press Release between the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nation Children Funds (UNICEF)

Confirmation of one measles case after elimination of measles

One case of measles was confirmed in Kratie Province on 4 October according to laboratory tests conducted at the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) at a suspected case which was reported on 15 September.

The confirmation of the measles case comes following the certification by WHO Regional Verification commission of measles on 27 March 2015 that Cambodia has achieved elimination of measles, noting that there had been no laboratory-confirmed measles cases reported in the country since November 2011.

After receiving the elimination status, the National Immunization Program (NIP) of the Ministry of Health has been continuing measles surveillance to detect possible imported measles virus and to ensure appropriate control measures to be implemented.

The confirmed case in Kratie Province was reported as part of the ongoing routine surveillance. Similarly, another suspected case was reported on the 13^th September from Kampong Thom Province, however after laboratory test, it was found equivocal, with the need for further laboratory testing to obtain confirmation status.

Immediately after receiving the laboratory results, H.E. Dr. Mam Bunheng, Minister of Health convened an urgent meeting and dispatched teams to the two provinces for further detailed investigations and for preparation for urgent response. The Minister of Health said “we are taking all necessary measures including emergency vaccination campaigns to stop the transmission of measles virus to protect the population of Cambodia”.

Dr. Dongil Ahn, WHO Country Representative in Cambodia, stated that “we, partners are working with the Ministry of Health and putting all efforts to continue to look for possible measles cases and conduct vaccination campaigns in the affected areas to prevent further transmission of the disease in the community. WHO will support the sending of the specimens to WHO reference laboratory abroad for further testing to learn if the virus is imported from neighboring countries or not” Dr. Ahn added.

Ms. Debora Comini, UNICEF Representative to Cambodia, stated that “This outbreak illustrates the continued importance of ensuring high coverage of measles vaccination, as well as conducting outreach immunization activities targeting the most vulnerable children and communities”.

Reintroduction of measles even in a country where the disease has been eliminated is possible since the virus is highly contagious and can easily spread from person to person across international borders. People infected with measles are infectious even before the rash appears.

 

The Ministry of Health will be conducting emergency vaccination campaigns starting from 20^th October in the affected areas, ​and was attended by H. E. Minister of Health and H.E. Prof. Eng Huot, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Health as well.

 

For further information please contact:

 

Ministry of Health

Prof. SANN Chan Soeung,

National Immunization Program

Telephone:         +855 (0)12 933 344

Email:                    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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World Health Organization

Shafiqul Hossain

Telephone:         +855 (0)12 917 755

Email:                    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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UNICEF

Iman Morooka, +855 92 555 294, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Bunly Meas, +855 12 733 909, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

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