Apr 28, 2009, 8:20 GMT
Phnom Penh - Cambodian authorities Tuesday installed equipment to scan passengers for fever at Phnom Penh's international airport to stem the spread of swine flu.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Health Ministry said there were no reported cases of the potentially deadly viral infection in the country.
Heath Ministry workers installed thermal imaging equipment Tuesday morning but did not plan to begin using them until officials decided whether to screen all passengers or only those who had recently traveled to affected areas, airport police commander Chor Kimly said.
'We will begin scanning passengers as soon as we receive the orders from the ministry,' he said.
Chor Kimly said scanners were also installed at Siem Reap international airport, where thousands of international tourists arrive every week en route to Cambodia's famous Angkor Wat temple site.
Health authorities have used the same equipment during regional outbreaks of avian flu, which has killed seven Cambodians since 2003.
A WHO and Heath Ministry joint statement said Cambodia had a 'pandemic response plan' and was equipped to manage a swine flu outbreak.
'Cambodia has increased its surveillance for unusual respiratory illnesses in hospitals, health centres and airports,' the statement said. 'Cambodia has prepared stockpiles of various resources, including medication to treat viral infections, and has access to additional regional supplies if required.'
There are no direct commercial air routes to Cambodia from Mexico, the United States, Spain or any other swine-flu affected countries, but dozens of flights arrive daily from Thailand, Vietnam, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan and Singapore.
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