July 8, 2024
NAYPYIDAW – In Yangon Region, patients exhibiting symptoms of diarrhea were tested in various hospitals, and five individuals were found to have cholera. There have been no deaths from cholera, but one person with pre-existing immune deficiency and an infectious disease passed away, according to Major General Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson for the State Administration Council (SAC).
Speaking about the occurrence of diarrhea in some townships in Yangon Region, Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun confirmed the details.
“The incident occurred in Nwe Aye Ward, Thae Kwin Squatter Area, Dawbon Township in Yangon Region. We received reports of diarrhea outbreaks there. On July 3, upon inspection, we found 12 people with diarrhea symptoms. Nine of them were hospitalized, and their stool samples were tested. One of them tested positive for cholera. Therefore, the Ministry of Health tested patients with diarrhea symptoms in various hospitals for cholera. To date, one patient at Victoria Hospital and four patients at Yangon General Hospital have tested positive for cholera, totaling five patients. The remaining patients with diarrhea symptoms did not test positive for cholera,” he said.
Additionally, the authorities inspected Nwe Aye Ward, Thae Kwin Squatter Area, where the outbreak started. There, 166 households with 646 residents and 12 communal latrines were found, which were identified as potential causes of the diarrhea outbreak, according to Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun.
He stated, “We are working on early detection and timely treatment at the location. We have temporarily closed roadside food stalls and enhanced sanitation efforts, including cleaning and ensuring safe drinking water. Among the hospitalized patients, none died from diarrhea. One person died from an existing immune deficiency and infectious disease. We have set up clinics and are receiving new patients. Authorities, local health workers, social organizations, and volunteers are working to provide clean drinking water, chlorinate water, improve sanitation, and distribute clean water.”
He added that they are conducting epidemiological investigations and educating close contacts of the patients. They are also administering antibiotics as necessary.
The Yangon Region Chief Minister, the Mayor, and the Social Affairs Minister, along with public health officials led by the Director of the Disease Control Unit under the Public Health Department, have visited the area to assess and support ongoing efforts, according to Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun.
Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun emphasized, “Diarrhea is a common disease during the rainy season. The Ministry of Health has been issuing warnings and guidelines. People need to follow these guidelines, such as drinking pre-boiled water, using chlorinated water, preparing food hygienically, using fly-proof toilets, and following health advice from the Ministry of Health.”
Regarding this issue, the Ministry of Health and local authorities are continuously monitoring and taking preventive measures. The public is urged to follow the health warnings and cooperate with the authorities to prevent and control the disease, said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun.