Killer disease in Cambodia stumps experts

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http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_820055.html

It's not bird flu or Sars, and nor does it appear to be contagious, but little more is known about a mysterious disease that has killed dozens of Cambodian children, some within 24 hours of being hospitalised.

Medical experts are scrambling to respond to what the Cambodian health ministry and World Health Organization (WHO) have labelled an 'undiagnosed syndrome' that has claimed the lives of at least 56 boys and girls, mostly toddlers, since April.

Officials said just one child was believed to have survived the illness and the high fatality rate has spread concern among Cambodians, 30 per cent of whom live below the poverty line according to the World Bank.

The WHO has put neighbouring countries on alert about the killer disease, that starts with a high fever and is followed by respiratory and neurologic symptoms 'with rapid deterioration of respiratory functions'.