There have been a relatively small number of reported cases in Cambodia of influenza type A(H1N1), also known as Swine Flu. The recorded number is still under 250, but the rate of infection seems to be increasing.  The first death was reported on 28 September 2009, and there have been three more deaths since then.

Until recently infections were mostly among visitors arriving from overseas, rather than as a result of transmission within Cambodia.  However, the virus has spread to a number of Provinces within Cambodia, and is being transmitted in the community.

The Embassy is keeping the situation under close review and is in regular contact with the Cambodian Ministry of Health as well as the World Health Organisation representatives in Cambodia. Information is available directly from the website of the Centre for Disease Control at the Ministry of Health.

At this stage we would encourage you to:

• monitor the media and relevant websites, including the FCO Travel Advice on Swine Flu;
• consider your healthcare arrangements, including access to anti-viral medicine (the Embassy does not hold medical stocks for British nationals resident, or on holiday, in Cambodia);
• if you are working in Cambodia, speak to your employer about the plans they have in place;
• follow good personal hygiene practice and know what the symptoms of Swine Flu are;
• register with the Embassy through LOCATE, so that we can contact you if necessary.

Cambodia has an A(H1N1) Hotline that is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week accessible from any mobile phone. Simply dial 115 from any mobile to speak with an operator. Services are available in both English and Khmer.

Temperature readings are now being taken from all persons entering into The Kingdom of Cambodia using thermal imaging equipment.

In order to contain the spread of the virus while there have been relatively few cases in Cambodia, anyone who is confirmed to have the A(H1N1) virus, or has been exposed to the virus, and reports to a doctor or the national hotline could be quarantined in a public hospital, for about seven days. The Ministry of Health is also urging private clinics that lack facilities to send any patients with the virus to a Government hospital.  Ministry of Health officials have stated that those requiring hospitalisation and isolation will be given full medical care, at Calmette hospital in Phnom Penh.  Individuals will be required to pay costs of their hospital accommodation and medical care and are therefore recommended to have valid health insurance.

These arrangements for quarantine or isolation are kept under review by the Ministry of Health and WHO and may be subject to change if the virus becomes more widespread in Cambodia.