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Cluster of HIV infections attributed to unsafe injection practices — Cambodia, December 1, 2014–February 28, 2015

In December 2014, local health authorities in Battambang province in northwest Cambodia reported 30 cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in a rural commune (district subdivision) where only four cases had been reported during the preceding year. The majority of cases occurred in residents of Roka commune. The Cambodian National Center for HIV/AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (NCHADS) investigated the outbreak in collaboration with the University of Health Sciences in Phnom Penh and members of the Roka Cluster Investigation Team. By February 28, 2015, NCHADS had confirmed 242 cases of HIV infection among the 8,893 commune residents, an infection rate of 2.7%. Molecular investigation of the HIV strains present in this outbreak indicated that the majority of cases were linked to a single HIV strain that spread quickly within this community. An NCHADS case-control study identified medical injections and infusions as the most likely modes of transmission. In response to this outbreak, the Government of Cambodia has taken measures to encourage safe injection practices by licensed medical professionals, ban unlicensed medical practitioners, increase local capacity for HIV testing and counseling, and expand access to HIV treatment in Battambang province. Measures to reduce the demand for unnecessary medical injections and the provision of unsafe injections are needed. Estimates of national HIV incidence and prevalence might need to be adjusted to account for unsafe injection as a risk exposure.

Data Resources (1)

Data Resource Preview - Cluster of HIV infections attributed to unsafe injection practices — Cambodia, December 1, 2014–February 28, 2015

Additional Info

Field Value
Document type Reports, journal articles, and research papers (including theses and dissertations)
Language of document
  • English
Topics
  • Access to education and health care
  • HIVAIDS
  • Health care policy and administration
  • Priority health concerns
  • Public health
Geographic area (spatial range)
  • Cambodia
Copyright Yes
Access and use constraints

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6506a2

Version / Edition 1.0
License unspecified
Contact

Corresponding author: Romeo R. Galang, RGalang@cdc.gov, 404-639-6387.

Author (individual) Mean Chhi Vun
Co-author (individual) Galang, Romeo R.; Fujita, Masami; Killam, William; Gokhale, Runa; Pitman, John; Selenic, Dejana; Mam, Sovatha; Chandara Mom; Fontenille, Didier; Rouet, Francois; Saphonn Vonthanak
Publication place USA
Publisher Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Publication date 2016
Pagination 4 p.
General note

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016; 65:142–145

Date uploaded February 22, 2016, 05:58 (UTC)
Date modified February 22, 2016, 06:00 (UTC)