by Hafizur Rahman
Kyauktaw Township, Arakan State | December 7, 2025
A sudden outbreak of diarrhea has left five villages in Kyauktaw Township struggling to manage a growing health emergency. Local health workers reported more than one hundred and forty nine cases across Yadanapon, Ha Yar, Pa Lat Kay, Ah Lel and Taungbway villages. Fifty five people have recovered, while two deaths have been confirmed.
Health teams said the outbreak is linked to contaminated drinking water, lack of handwashing and unsafe food handling practices. These are common challenges for many low income families in the area who lack access to clean water and basic sanitation.
A member of the Health Ministry team said both viral and bacterial infections may be responsible, but the immediate concern is the absence of safe drinking water. Because of the rapid spread, authorities placed all five villages under travel restrictions for at least one week. For families who rely on daily work and movement for survival, this restriction has made life more difficult.
The medical team visited the affected households, provided water purifying tablets and advised villagers to drink only boiled water. One health worker said simple measures such as handwashing with soap can prevent many cases.
Village leaders told the health team that many families cannot afford medical treatment. They said people often depend on home remedies, and some arrive at clinics too late. One elder said the poorest families suffer the most because they have no resources for care.
Health workers said they have limited supplies and cannot support all patients. They said they will report the urgent needs to the Health Ministry and encouraged the community to seek assistance from international humanitarian organisations. Four local health workers have been assigned to monitor the situation and provide daily updates.
Surrounding villages have also reported cases and imposed their own travel restrictions. Residents said the atmosphere is tense, and many families remain inside their homes, boiling water and watching closely for signs of illness in children.
Local health workers are appealing to the World Health Organization and international aid groups for immediate support. They said basic items would make a significant difference, including oral rehydration salts for children and adults, zinc tablets, loperamide, intravenous fluids and soap for handwashing.
One health worker said oral rehydration salts and soap alone could save many lives in the affected villages.
Current reported cases
Yadanapon: thirty eight cases, nine recovered
Ha Yar: twenty nine cases, fourteen recovered
Pa Lat Kay: thirty four cases, seventeen recovered
Ah Lel: sixteen cases, five recovered
Taungbway: twenty two cases, ten recovered
Deaths: two
Villagers said they hope the outbreak will end soon and that no more families will lose loved ones to an illness that can be prevented with clean water and basic medical supplies.
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