By: Camp Correspondent
March 2025
At least 13 cases of hepatitis A have been reported in Kyauktaw Township since the third week of February 2025, raising concerns among healthcare professionals about the increasing spread of the virus in Arakan (Rakhine) State.
Rising Infections and Health Risks
Hepatitis A, a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), has now surpassed hepatitis B in prevalence across Myanmar, according to medical reports. Previously, hepatitis B was considered the primary liver-related health concern in the country, but recent trends indicate a growing risk of hepatitis A infections.
A healthcare worker in Kyauktaw Township stated:
“Previously, most liver-related health issues were seen in people with hepatitis B. But now, the risk isn’t limited to them—everyone is vulnerable. Those with weakened immune systems often take longer to recover.”
Symptoms and Severity of the Disease
Common symptoms of hepatitis A include extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, dark urine, joint pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and intense itching. In severe cases, the infection can cause acute liver failure, which can be fatal.
A woman from Kyauktaw Township who contracted hepatitis A shared her experience:
“I initially thought it was just a mild fever and didn’t pay much attention, but when my eyes started turning yellow, I rushed to the hospital. That’s when I discovered I had hepatitis A.”
Medical experts have warned that children and individuals with underlying liver conditions, particularly alcohol consumers, are more vulnerable to severe complications. A healthcare worker in Kyauktaw highlighted these concerns:
“Children and long-term alcohol drinkers are at higher risk of suffering more severely from the disease. Alcohol consumption often leads to underlying liver conditions, increasing vulnerability. Children are particularly at risk due to their weaker immune systems. When they contract the disease, their eyes may turn yellow, and their liver may become swollen and enlarged.”
Preventive Measures and Public Health Warnings
The outbreak in Kyauktaw follows a nationwide health warning issued by Myanmar’s military-run health ministry after a significant increase in hepatitis A cases in Yangon on March 2, 2025. Authorities fear a major outbreak, particularly among children, as the virus spreads easily through contaminated food and water.
Health professionals are urging the public to take precautionary measures, including:
- Practicing good personal hygiene
- Washing hands frequently with soap and clean water
- Avoiding food that has been exposed to flies or unsanitary conditions
- Drinking only boiled, purified, or FDA-approved water
With cases continuing to rise, healthcare workers are calling for increased public awareness and stronger preventive measures to curb the outbreak in Arakan State and other vulnerable regions.
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