Cambodian officials fear dengue fever outbreak

Medical authorities in Cambodia fear they could be faced with a major outbreak of dengue fever in 2009.

The number of people affected by the mosquito-borne disease has fallen from 23,000 in 2007 to 8,783 in the first 11 months of this year, reports the Phnom Penh Post.

However, Kantha Bopha children's hospital deputy director Lam Eng Hour said he was concerned about the number of cases he has seen in recent weeks.

Despite it being outside dengue fever's customary season, 20 children a day are being diagnosed with the disease.

"We are worried this is a sign that the number (of infections) will be higher next year," he said.

The official added: "An outbreak can happen every two years."

There is currently no vaccine for dengue fever and the only thing that can be done to halt its spread is to attempt to prevent mosquitoes breeding.

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