People seeking shelter in the forests of Moebye Township in Taunggyi District, Shan State, are reported to have contracted smallpox.
Some children, as well as adults, began contracting smallpox after experiencing water supply difficulties in the IDP camps.
“They have the smallpox. It can be either because of unclean water or because of the heat. I live with the children in the camp and help them with getting essentials. But we stopped doing that for a while because of the smallpox,” said a man helping IDPs in Moebye Township.
Currently, most children in the IDP camps have smallpox, but few adults have contracted the disease.
Smallpox is common among children, pregnant mothers, and the elderly. It is even more common in people who have never had the disease, such as babysitters, preschool workers, and people who work with children.
Those who have the disease are treated with traditional medicine, while some are treated in clinics.
“I went to see a traditional medicine doctor yesterday. Some IDPs have also received treatment from him. But some of them go to the clinics. I don’t know how they are being treated. He said that these days more and more people are coming to him to be treated for smallpox,” the man said.
An official at the Mobye Rescue Team clinic also said more and more people are coming to their clinic for smallpox treatment.
“Some people have come here to get treatment. About two people have contracted smallpox in Moebye. Some doctors have to visit IDPs in the forests. I can’t say exactly how many of them have contracted the disease,” she said.
In the middle of summer, IDPs are facing water shortages and hygiene problems. Because water is scarce, they have to walk to a ditch three miles away to fetch water.
“Some get water from donors, others don’t. Those who don’t get water from donors have to go to a ditch about three miles away to fetch water,” said another person helping the IDPs.
There are an estimated 30 camps for IDPs in Moebye Township, and aid workers say they are in desperate need of help as they face food and water shortages.
Sent by the Shan Herald.