Disease outbreak leaves two dead, dozens ill in Mrauk-U Twsp

By Admin 10 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

10 July 2026, Mrauk-U

Dengue fever and malaria outbreaks have hit Waithali Village in Mrauk-U Township, Arakan State, leaving two people dead and nearly 100 others suffering from severe fever, according to local residents.

The victims were identified as 28-year-old Ma Kyi Kyi Win, who died of dengue fever on 8 July, and 38-year-old Daw Oo Mya Than, who died on 9 July. Both reportedly died while receiving medical treatment after suffering from high fever for about four days.

"Currently, five villagers are hospitalized, and nearly 100 people are receiving treatment at clinics. At our home, my younger brother tested positive for malaria," a woman from Waithali Village said.

"With some people dying after just four days of fever and almost every household affected by illness, villagers are terrified. Since many people are contracting malaria and dengue fever at the same time, our village is facing a very alarming situation," she added.

Residents said villagers began falling ill in late June, and the number of people with severe symptoms has increased sharply in recent days.

With illness spreading throughout the village, residents are calling on health authorities to inspect the village and provide urgent medical assistance.

"We urgently want health officials to come to our village, conduct medical checkups and carry out mosquito control measures. We desperately need proper healthcare and monitoring right now," another local woman said.

Medical sources said dengue fever is transmitted through mosquito bites. Early symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and skin rashes. Although dengue fever is most common among children under 15, it can affect people of all ages.

Similar outbreaks have also been reported in other parts of the region. At least five people have reportedly died from malaria and dengue fever in the Phontharchaung area of Minbya Township.