Kandal provincial health officials spray insecticide to kill mosquitoes in January 2024. FB
Rising temperatures and an increase in standing water are the key factors contributing to the rapid growth and reproduction of common Culex mosquitoes.
While these mosquitoes do not pose serious health risks, the Ministry of Health continues to warn the public to remain vigilant against Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit dengue fever.
In recent weeks, residents in Phnom Penh have reported a noticeable increase in Culex mosquitoes, with numbers significantly higher than in previous years. Many have urged the ministry to take action, such as spraying insecticide to control the mosquito population.
Ly Sovann, director of the ministry’s Communicable Disease Control Department (CDC), explained that the surge in Culex mosquitoes is linked to climate change, which creates favourable conditions for breeding, hatching and migration.
He noted that mosquito populations tend to increase during the dry season from November to April but may decline when fresh water arrives in the rainy season, reducing the concentration of stagnant water.
“The health ministry and provincial health departments have been continuously spraying insecticide, but the mosquitoes reproduce quickly due to stagnant, polluted water,” he said.
He urged the public to take part in mosquito control by eliminating standing water, flushing out stagnant areas and maintaining environmental hygiene to curb mosquito breeding.
“Culex mosquitoes are most active at night, but they do not transmit dengue fever or chikungunya. To avoid mosquito bites, people should sleep under mosquito nets and avoid sitting still in one place for too long during the evening. Maintaining a clean environment is key to protecting public health,” he added.
He encouraged residents to remain cautious and take preventive measures against dengue fever outbreaks by destroying Aedes mosquito breeding grounds. These measures include eliminating the sources of stagnant water where larvae develop, such as discarded containers or overgrown vegetation near homes.
For those experiencing fever symptoms, he urged them to seek medical attention within 48 hours rather than attempting self-treatment or relying on unqualified healthcare providers.
In 2024, Cambodia recorded a total of 18,987 dengue cases, a 46 per cent decrease compared to 2023. The number of deaths also dropped by 54 per cent, with 46 deaths in 2024, compared to 99 deaths in 2023, when there were 35,390 reported dengue cases.
