3 died of diarrhoea outbreak at Rakhine IDP camp

Thinzar New/ Narinjara News, 4 May 2024

 At least three displaced people, including two women, died from diarrheal diseases in Ponnagyun township of Rakhine State last month.

They escaped the conflict and sought refuge at Ah Htet Myat Hle village under Ponnagyun township.

The deceased individuals include 75-year-old U Maung Yone from Thae Wa village (Kyauktaw township),  64-year-old Daw Ngwe Khin from Mi Kyaung Gaung village and 17-year-old Ma Thandar Kyi from Pyin Nyar Gyi village.

A woman from Ah Htet Myat Hle village informed Narinjara News that they died in April.

"Since the beginning of April, they started  experiencing stomach problems. First, an elderly man died and later another elderly woman and a young girl passed away after experiencing stomach aches and vomiting. It happened due to inadequate medical facility," she added.

The diarrhoea outbreak is due to the high temperature and consumption of dirty water by the victims. While access to clean drinking water becomes a  priority, many people are deprived of it. The water in the ponds turn  muddy and at least five others are currently experiencing stomach aches.

Some displaced individuals are also receiving medical treatment for diarrhoea including a girl from Wah Taung internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Kyauktaw.  Another resident from Pyin Nyar Gyi village is also complaining of pain in his stomach.

The displaced individuals from Sittwe, Kyauktaw and Ponnagyun localities are taking refuge in the IDP camp located in Ah Htet Myat Hle village under Ponnagyun township.

They are now facing an acute shortage of drinking water and food items. The consumption of dirty water has resulted in diarrheal outbreaks.

The common symptoms of diarrhoea include loose or watery stools, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever.

As a large number of Rakhine people are  fleeing from their places due to clashes, the refugees start facing sickness in camps. Moreover, high temperature in the region causes extreme troubles for the children and elderly persons.