Health officials examine people's eyes in Kampong Chhnang province. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Health officials from the Kampong Chhnang provincial department detected almost 200 cases of streptococcus infections in the Por commune of the Kampong Leng district. Patients are currently undergoing examination and treatment by ophthalmologists.
Prak Von, director of the provincial health department, stated on October 22 that his team had met with 177 infected individuals in the commune.
“We believe there may be more cases elsewhere, and we’re actively searching. We urge those residing by the river to prioritise personal hygiene. They should wash their hands regularly and avoid touching their eyes as they’re susceptible to the infection,” he said.
Since the disease’s onset in the province, over 200 residents have been confirmed as infected.
“While these are provisional figures from hospitals, the actual numbers may be higher. We’re collating data from eye care facilities and hospitals to trace the origins of the patients and implement appropriate treatment,” he added.
York Sambath, secretary of state at the health ministry, chaired a video conference with the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on October 21.
The session included Communicable Disease Control Department director Ly Sovann and Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital director Ngy Meng as well as health department leaders, response teams and medical professionals from both national and local levels.
The meeting’s primary goal was to assess the situation and provide training in preventing and treating cases of the disease, often referred to as “pink eye”.
She encouraged medical staff nationwide to educate the public on maintaining health protocols to prevent further spread of the infection.
“All stakeholders must monitor the situation of the disease daily, strategise containment efforts and collaborate with local bodies, including departments of education, labour, tourism and religion, to address the situation,” she stated, as quoted by the ministry’s social media page.
The symptoms of infection include conditions such as conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dry eye syndrome and blepharitis (an inflammation of the eyelids).
The ministry advised the public to stay cautious, stating that infections had been found in multiple provinces.
It said that while most cases were mild and typically healed within seven to 14 days without treatment, some severe infections took two to three weeks or longer to heal. It also noted that medical professionals can prescribe antibiotic eye drops to mitigate the infection and prevent its spread.
