Dengue surge overwhelms Phnom Penh children’s hospital

Kiripost

Phnom Penh’s National Pediatric Hospital is struggling to cope with a sharp rise in dengue fever cases, with overcrowding forcing staff to place sick children on temporary mattresses in corridors and ground‑floor areas until beds free up.

Hospital representatives confirmed on Monday that hundreds of children are currently being treated, most from nearby Kandal province. While numbers have not yet reached 1,000, officials admit the situation is “overflowing all the way to the exit” and warn it could worsen if admissions continue to climb.

Doctors say dengue symptoms typically intensify from the third day of illness, making early monitoring crucial. To manage the influx, children with mild fevers are sometimes asked to rest at home, but many families insist on staying at the hospital. Staff then allow them to sleep on makeshift bedding until space becomes available in the wards.

The outbreak comes during Cambodia’s rainy season, when flooding creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Health authorities are urging families to take preventative measures, including sleeping under nets and eliminating standing water around homes. Hospitals nationwide have been instructed to stock sufficient medicines, equipment and staff to respond quickly to emergencies.

Dengue fever is a recurring public health challenge across Southeast Asia, with Cambodia experiencing periodic surges that strain its healthcare system. The virus, spread by Aedes mosquitoes, can cause high fever, severe headaches and, in some cases, life‑threatening complications.

For parents, the current crisis is a stark reminder of the importance of prevention. With wards overflowing and children lying on mattresses in hallways, the hospital’s struggle highlights how quickly dengue can overwhelm even major facilities. Authorities stress that vigilance at home is the first line of defence against the disease.

-2026-07-28