Dengue fever cases have increased in internally displaced person (IDP) camps in Arakan State, and the majority of the displaced is experiencing financial difficulties in accessing medical treatment, according to IDPs.
IDPs also reported rising dengue fever cases in Railway Station, Kan Sauk, War Taung, and Taung Min Kalar Camps in Kyauktaw Township.
“Many children have become sick now. We get treatment here if it is available. If not, we have to go to the township hospital. Those who can’t afford it have to borrow money for treatment. Most of them can’t afford the medical expenses,” said a displaced person from Railway Station IDP Camp.
A woman in charge of Yan Aung Myay IDP camp in Buthidaung Township said families in the camp need help to get medical treatment for their children who are sick with dengue fever.
“Medical care is not regularly available here. WFP aid is not enough for education, food and medical care,” she said.
Attempts to contact health officials in each township to find out how the dengue fever occurence is being managed in IDP camps resulted in no response.
Since it is the rainy season, other common diseases such as seasonal influenza are occurring in addition to dengue fever, according to IDPs.
Attempts to contact the state health director Dr. Kyi Lwin, to learn the number of dengue cases in Arakan State also went unanswered.
Data collected shows that five children under the age of 15 died in the Myanmar’s western state in July.
In Arakan State, 426 people have been hospitalized with dengue fever since the beginning of this year’s early monsoon until 1 July, according to the Arakan State administrative council.
The military council’s health ministry reported 1,717 dengue fever cases and seven deaths between 1 January and 20 May 2023.
The Ministry of Health advised the public to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and to protect themselves from mosquito bites, as dengue fever is transmitted by ades that bite during the day.
Sent by Narinjara.