An outbreak of diarrhea has claimed the lives of six fishermen in Kyaikkhami, Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State, with more receiving medical treatment at local hospitals, according to residents.
The affected fishermen were working on trawlers and traditional fishing boats in the Kyaikkhami sea when the outbreak began in the first week of September. According to a local source, “Four fishing boats reported cases of diarrhea among their crew, starting on September 10. As of now, six people have died, and others are still receiving treatment.”
At least ten fishermen are currently being treated at Kyaikkhami hospital for severe diarrhea, while over 80 others are under observation due to potential symptoms, reports say.
The outbreak has also spread beyond the fishing community, affecting several local residents, many of whom are also being treated at the hospital.
Health officials suspect the cause of the outbreak is linked to the consumption of contaminated water by the fishermen while at sea, according to a close source to the Township Health Department.
In response to the outbreak, local authorities have ordered a temporary closure of food stalls and restaurants in Kyaikkhami, effective from September 10, to prevent further spread of the disease.
To contain the outbreak, healthcare workers and Red Cross members have been distributing chlorine tablets and conducting public health awareness campaigns, according to local reports.
