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Hepatitis A outbreak spreads across Arakan State, prompting health warnings
A Hepatitis A outbreak is spreading across areas administered by the Arakan Army (AA) in Arakan State, with local residents reporting deaths linked to the disease and health workers urging preventive measures.
19 Jun 2026
DMG Newsroom
19 June 2026, Kyauktaw
A Hepatitis A outbreak is spreading across areas administered by the Arakan Army (AA) in Arakan State, with local residents reporting deaths linked to the disease and health workers urging preventive measures.
According to residents, a child from Ywmapyin Village in Kyauktaw Township died in early June after suffering complications associated with Hepatitis A.
The disease has continued to affect local communities.
"Within the past few days, a Grade-12 student contracted both malaria and Hepatitis A," a female resident of Ywmapyin Village said. "The student was taken to hospital but passed away yesterday. The health situation is becoming increasingly concerning."
The military junta's Ministry of Health has previously stated that Hepatitis A is caused by the highly contagious Hepatitis A virus (HAV), with children considered among the most vulnerable groups.
Health workers in areas controlled by the Arakan Army said they are seeing a growing number of patients showing symptoms of jaundice, with clinics and hospitals treating an average of three new cases each week.
"The transmission rate is high, but it is important to distinguish between different types of hepatitis," a health worker in Kyauktaw Township said. "Hepatitis B and C can lead to long-term complications, while most Hepatitis A patients recover within about a month if they receive timely treatment. However, we are seeing infections among people of all age groups."
Health experts said Hepatitis A is commonly spread through contaminated food and water.
Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine and joint pain. Severe cases can lead to liver failure and death.
To prevent further transmission, health organizations are urging residents to maintain good hygiene practices, wash their hands regularly, protect food from flies and boil drinking water before use.
Residents are also advised to use water purification tablets or consume safe drinking water from reliable sources.
