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PHNOM PENH (Phnom Penh Post/ANN): In response to the escalating threat posed by the mpox virus – particularly the new Clade Ib variant – Minister of Health Chheang Ra issued a directive to bolster the country's defences against the potential spread of this virulent disease.
The order, released on Friday, August 23, called for provincial governors, particularly those in border areas, to enhance quarantine measures and ensure strict monitoring of international arrivals.
The move comes in the wake of a broader regional concern, with neighbouring countries reporting cases of the new variant and ramping up their own health security measures.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by the World Health Organization's (WHO) recent declaration of Clade Ib as an international public health threat.
“The variant, which has been associated with more severe health outcomes and higher mortality rates than its predecessors, has sparked a global response aimed at containing its spread,” WHO declared on August 14.
Cambodia's strategic response
Cambodia, which reported 20 cases of mpox between 2023 and 2024 – all of which were of the less severe Clade II variant – has not yet detected any instances of the more dangerous Clade Ib.
However, Ra's statement makes it clear that the country is taking no chances.
“In this context, Excellencies and Lok Chumteav, please ensure careful monitoring and prevention of infectious diseases that may be imported from other countries by strengthening quarantine measures.
“It is crucial to prevent and respond to the spread of diseases at the borders to protect the health of the Cambodian people,” the minister stated, emphasising the importance of proactive measures in line with the government's health priorities.
The directive comes as Cambodia's neighbours are also grappling with the new variant. Thailand, which has become the first country in Asia to detect Clade Ib, has reported that a European male who arrived from Africa tested positive for the virus.
Thai authorities are currently monitoring 43 close contacts of the 66-year-old patient and have implemented strict surveillance measures at international entry points, particularly for travellers from countries experiencing mpox outbreaks.
Regional mpox situation: A growing concern
The regional situation is increasingly tense, with several Southeast Asian countries reporting cases of mpox, although primarily of the Clade II variant.
Thailand is particularly concerned about the potential impact of Clade Ib as it enters the busy tourism season.
“The Southeast Asian nation, which has reported about 800 cases of the mpox Clade II variant since 2022, is keen to contain the virus as it heads into the busy tourist season when millions of holidaymakers are expected to visit the country,” according to Bangkok Post, published on August 23.
The country has not only ramped up health screenings but is also preparing quarantine facilities to manage potential outbreaks. - Phnom Penh Post/ANN
