PHNOM PENH – The Ministry of Health inspected the quarantine area at the Phnom Penh International Airport on Aug. 28 in response to the cross-border spread of monkeypox (Mpox).

On Aug. 15, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, following outbreaks of a new, deadlier variant, Mpox clade 1b, in Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya.

Thailand confirmed the first case in Asia last week, involving a 66-year-old European man who had travelled from Africa, according to the Bangkok Post.

Health Ministry Secretary of State York Sambath led the inspection at all checkpoints and left an alert message for all passengers. The checkpoints will augment temperature checks through camera systems, observation, and monitoring at all entrances and exits.

In case of doubt, quarantine officials will carry out measures to prevent and respond to the spreading virus.

The working group agreed to install more thermometer machines and put out pictures and videos related to mpox for passengers.

The inspection was joined by representatives of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, General Department of Immigration, French companies, and the Health Ministry’s Communicable Disease Control Department (CDC).

As many as 20 cases have been confirmed in Cambodia this year, all in men, with the last cases reported in April.

The country remains on high alert through strict prevention and protection, particularly at all land, water and air border crossings, CDC director-general Ly Sovann said this month.

Sovann urged the public to stay cautious and to seek immediate treatment or consultation in case of doubts or unrecovered skin inflammation.

“If you experience unexplained skin inflammation or other Mpox symptoms, seek immediate medical attention,” he said.

“Early treatment is crucial to stop the spread and prevent serious illness. Protect yourself and your community by taking action now.”

The current outbreak in the eastern DRC is caused by a new offshoot of clade 1, called clade 1b, which causes more severe disease than clade 2.

Highly contagious, the virus is transmitted from animals to humans and humans to humans, and can be transmitted through contact with bodily fluids, lesions on the skin, or on internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects.

Symptoms appear 5-21 days after exposure, starting with fever, headaches, body aches and swollen lymph nodes. A dangerous rash erupts 1-5 days later, progressing from flat spots to painful blisters and pus-filled bumps before crusting over. This rash can last up to four weeks.

From 2022 to June 2024, there have been nearly 100,000 cases of Mpox confirmed in six regions of the world. Of these, 925 cases were confirmed with 11 dead in southeast Asia, while the Americas had 62,904 cases and 141 deaths.

Congo’s outbreak is spiraling with more than 11,000 cases and 445 deaths this year. The crisis isn't slowing. South Africa has just reported its first cases since 2022, with 20 infected and three dead.

WHO said the organization was working on vaccine donations. More funding would be needed along with surveillance, preparedness and response activities.