05 July 2012, Cambodian health officials have turned to the UN World Health Organization for help in finding out what is killing their children. A similar thing happened in Vietnam.
In Vietnam the mystery disease was made public in April this year. It looks like a case of villagers incorrectly using a Monsanto product called Kanup 480 SL (Roundup in the United States). The villagers had never used herbicides prior to a chemical company sale person tricking them into using the Roundup.
Now, Cambodian officials are reporting the deaths of at least 61 children. The deaths began in April of this year. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, neurological problems and severe respiratory problems. Officials say it is not contagious, implying it is not a virus or bacteria.
Cases have been reported in 14 Cambodian provinces. At this point health officials are treating this as a traditional disease.