July 9, 2024

The Health Ministry under the junta reported that 167 patients were hospitalized for diarrhea in Thaketa and Dawbon townships from July 6 to July 8. Among these, 13 patients were diagnosed with severe diarrhea infections.

Initial cases revealed that five patients from the first group were found to have severe diarrhea, with one patient succumbing to the illness. On July 7, two more patients were identified with severe infections, followed by six additional cases on July 8.

The Health Ministry identified the outbreak’s origin in Nwe Aye ward of Dawbon, where 646 residents from 166 households shared 12 public toilets. The first six deaths were attributed to underlying health conditions exacerbated by the infection, and no further fatalities have been reported among the hospitalized patients.

“Shops along the streets in Thaketa and Dawbon are closed. Pharmacies are instructed not to sell over-the-counter antidiarrheal or antibiotics easily, directing people to clinics and hospitals instead. Many here are day laborers who didn’t realize the outbreak was so severe until it spread,” a resident of Dawbon told New Day Myanmar.

The infection is currently under control in Dawbon, but new cases are reported daily in Thaketa, according to a local volunteer. “We get new patients every day. After transporting patients, we have to disinfect the vehicle and ourselves. Hospitals are full of patients,” he said.

The Health Ministry emphasized efforts to prevent the spread of diarrhea in crowded places such as factories, workplaces, schools, and monasteries. The outbreak, which began in Thaketa, has now spread to Dawbon, Puzundaung, Mingalar Taung Nyunt, and Botataung townships. No additional deaths have been reported among the hospitalized patients, according to state-controlled media.