Hua Shang Ri Bao Online in Chinese 12 July
Unattributed report

Chinese Medical Experts Arrive in Cambodia To Assist in Treating Mysterious Illness

Several doctors from China arrived in Phnom Penh on the night of 11 July to assist Cambodian doctors in treating a mysterious illness which has killed 64 children so far, said relevant sources. On 10 July, when meeting the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, the Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi told him that the Chinese Government was willing to assist by sending medical staff and equipment.

The Health Ministry of Cambodia and the World Health Organization issued a joint statement on 8 July that 64 children have died mysteriously since April.  Part of the reason could be due to an Enterovirus (EV-71) which causes hand, foot and mouth diseases.  The Health Ministry of Cambodia has been conducting further analysis

The joint statement said: "Based on the latest laboratory tests, most of the samples have yielded the presence of EV-71, which causes hand, foot and mouth diseases. The virus may cause patients to have other serious complications."

Cambodian health officers said on 9 July that the authorities continue to investigate the mysterious sickness. Last weekend, the Cambodian Health Ministry announced that an important discovery has been made during the course of the investigation.

Kuntha Bopha Children's Hospital in Phnom Penh was the first hospital to report the outbreak in April.  In the last three months, 66 children aged between two and three were hospitalized due to the mysterious sickness. Among the children, 64 died of severe respiratory problems and neurological symptoms