61 people died of mysterious diseases in Cambodia

Medical experts are investigating the disease that caused the deaths of 61 people, mostly children, since April in Cambodia.

In a recent report, the World Health Organization (WHO) said infected children have unusual signs, high fever and rapid decline in respiratory system, while red blood cells, liver and kidneys still normal. Some patients also have neurological symptoms. However, there are no signs that the disease is likely to spread from person to person.

Foreign experts examined one
Cambodian children. (Artwork: Phuket News)

According to the AP, most patients are children under 7 years old and in the provinces of southern and central Cambodia. One doctor said he knew there were 64 cases and only two survived. Most children die under 3 years of age and the direct cause is due to lung damage. The patients were taken to major hospitals in Phnom Penh and Siem Riep.

Health Minister Cambodia Man Bung Heng said that determining the cause of the disease will take time. Currently, neighboring countries in Cambodia have also been alerted. A WHO expert said it is too early to conclude whether this is a common disease or a new disease.

Some doctors predict that this strange disease can be caused by a type of enterovirus or caused by poisoning, or a consequence of both causes.