A CCORDING to reports, outbreaks of diarrhoeal disease in some densely populated downtown townships of Yangon resulted in a total of 182 hospitalized patients over the four days from 9 to 12 August. Of these, 93 were found to have severe diarrhoeal infections, while one elderly person died.
Basic factors such as unsafe drinking water, contaminated food, poor environmental sanitation and inadequate health awareness can cause diarrhoeal diseases, cholera and other infectious diseases. The cholera bacteria are present in the faeces excreted by infected persons and can spread through contaminated hands, flies that carry pathogens and other means, resulting in the transmission and spread of the disease.
Although there are concerns about outbreaks occurring on a large scale, the Ministry of Health is paying close attention to the situation and taking necessary measures to prevent it from developing into a serious public health concern. As diarrhoeal diseases are communicable diseases, special attention is being given to prevention and control measures to prevent transmission not only among patients but also their family members, people in their surroundings, caregivers and healthcare providers.
The number of cases and hospitalizations has been declining due to treatment and environmental sanitation measures. Hospitalized patients are also recovering, and an increasing number of them have been discharged from the hospital. To prevent further outbreaks, all hospitals in Yangon Region have made the necessary preparations for diarrhoeal disease. Everyone must work together to maintain a clean and healthy environment, which is essential for preventing the further spread of the disease.
Severe diarrhoeal disease is caused by infection with pathogens such as Vibrio cholerae. Symptoms may include watery diarrhoea and vomiting. In severe cases, the rapid loss of water and electrolytes from the body can lead to dehydration, exhaustion, muscle cramps and loss of consciousness. If the disease becomes severe and timely medical treatment is not received, it can be fatal.
The public should pay close attention to personal hygiene and be cautious when consuming unhygienic or stale food, food exposed to flies and overripe fruits. In addition, people should drink clean drinking water or boil water before drinking and pay particular attention to the cleanliness and safety of water used for domestic purposes.
Regarding the current outbreak of diarrhoeal disease, the Ministry of Health is taking special measures to provide comprehensive prevention and treatment while working to control the situation. Therefore, the public should follow the Ministry of Health’s guidelines and adopt healthy practices in their daily living, eating and working activities.