Five Cambodians have died from malaria in the first six months of the year, down from six during the same period last year, while the number of recorded cases of the disease has dropped by about 20 percent compared to last year, according to the latest figures from the National Malaria Center.
Up to June, 15,982 malaria cases were reported across the country, according to the statistics released Sunday, down from 19,562 cases in the first half of 2013.
The drop continues a downward trend for malaria cases and fatalities in the country. In 2011, 93 people died from the disease, 46 died in 2012 and 12 died in 2013.
“The number means that malaria is not a major cause of the general death rate in Cambodia anymore,” said Char Meng Chuor, director of the malaria center, in the report. Of the country’s entire population, there are 1.1 malaria infections per 1,000 people.
However, in Ratanakkiri, which has the highest rate, there are 15.8 cases per thousand.
“Sleep in nets every night in malaria areas,” Mr. Meng Chuor advises in the report. “If on duty, make sure to put on a long-sleeve shirt and pants.”
