PHNOM PENH – Cambodia has achieved significant success against dengue fever with cases and fatalities falling in 2024.

The Health Ministry said there were 18,987 cases, down 16,403, or 46 percent, on the previous year. Deaths decreased by 54 percent with only 46 reported in 2024.

The National Dengue Program had predicted a potential 75,000 cases for 2024, making the actual figures a remarkable success. 

The ministry said cases were down nearly fourfold on the expected numbers, highlighting the effectiveness of prevention and treatment.

Dengue fever is caused by serotypes DENV1, DENV2, DENV3 and DENV4 and is transmitted by female Aedes mosquitoes. 

People of all ages can be affected, with children aged up to 15 being particularly vulnerable. Symptoms include a fever of 39-40 degrees, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, rash, or pain behind the eyes. 

This encouraging outcome reflected Cambodia's commitment to improving public health and achieving greater success in controlling and eliminating dengue fever, the ministry said.