Malaria became more deadly in Cambodia in the first half of 2009 with 103 fatalities, up 58 percent over the same period last year (65 deaths).

According to the National Centre for Parasitology Entomology and Malaria Control (NCPEMC), during the first six months, a total of 27,105 people were infected with the disease, compared with 25,033 in the corresponding 2008 period.

NCPEMC Director Doung Socheat said the sudden increase in deaths was primarily due to the parasitic virus that causes malaria becoming resistant to traditional treatment, while no new therapies have been found./.