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This epidemiological bulletin aims to provide the situation of selected outbreak-prone infectious diseases and acute public health events in the WHO South-East Asia region to inform risk assessments and responses. The bulletin primarily uses information from publicly available sources and will be published every two weeks. For feedback or suggestions, please write to seoutbreak@who.int.
Key events and updates
Myanmar, Acute Watery Diarrhea
Situation as of 26 June 2024
Situation Overview
• According to the local partners, cluster of acute watery diarrhea (AWD) cases has been reported in Rakhine and Chin States since late May 2024. Due to limited access, the number of cases below cannot be validated.
• Rakhine State o In Buthidaung, there were 16 villages affected and approximately 40 to 60 people reportedly died following AWD. Allegedly, more than 50% of total population of 10 000 people from 3 village townships have suffered from AWD in June.
• Chin State o In Paletwa Township, allegedly more than 100 AWD cases were reported including 14 deaths in estimated 13 villages, starting from early June 2024
o In Mindat Township, cluster of AWD cases including a few deaths were reported in estimated two villages
• Urgent needs include access to laboratory diagnosis and supply of medicine for prevention and control of the outbreak situation.
• Challenges include access to the affected areas, availability and delivery of laboratory and medical supplies, safety and security, and internet access. There is no hospital service for case management, and no referral hospital in nearby area.
Public Health Response
Response in the field
• The local health care providers and the volunteers in the field have been conducting response and control actions in both townships in Chin state. Prevention and control measures are conducted at limited scale.
Response by WHO
• In coordination with United Nations partners and local partners, WHO is working to support the response actions to the outbreak situation, including through providing technical guidance, financial resources and medical supplies.
• WHO continues to intensively monitor the situation and assess public health risks.