Cambodia says it has put into place detection measures at its international airports and border crossings to screen for deadly diseases, including Ebola, which continues to plague parts of western Africa.

Machines to detect body temperature are now installed at the Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports and at the border crossings of Poipet, near Thailand, and Bavet, near Vietnam.

The head of disease control for the Ministry of Health, Ly Sovann, tells VOA’s Khmer service the measures are meant to screen for Ebola, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Avian influenza, all of which can be deadly for humans.

“Any passengers from China and the Middle East that have body heat over 38 degree Celsius, have sore throat, they are required to go to the hospital to report about their trips,” he said.

Ly Sovann adds that there are no signs so far of disease outbreaks in Cambodia, but he said Cambodians “must remain cautious while traveling in those countries” where the diseases exist.

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa has claimed the lives of over 2,000 people, mostly in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.

This report was produced in collaboration with the VOA Khmer service.
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