Seasonal flu blamed for two deaths in Mrauk-U Twsp

By Admin 04 Jul 2025

DMG Newsroom

4 July 2025, Mrauk-U

Residents of Khwasone, Oakkan, Taungmyint, Konbaung, Shinkyaw, Simaung and Wethla villages in Mrauk-U Township, Arakan State, are experiencing seasonal flu outbreaks, with two flu deaths reported, according to local residents.

Seasonal flu has been reported to be common among rural residents since June.

"In our village, about four people in one house have seasonal flu. The disease is severe, and some have to be hospitalised. Many of the elderly and children in our family have seasonal flu," a local woman in Oakkan Village told DMG.

A 14-year-old boy and an elderly man from Konbaung Village died in the last week of June after contracting seasonal flu, which turned severe, according to locals.

Seasonal flu is also reported to be prevalent among locals in the Laymyochaung area of Mrauk-U Township.

The rainy season typically brings with it increases in seasonal flu, malaria and dengue fever rates in Arakan State.

"Since the rains started, we have been getting a lot of mosquito bites. Children and the elderly with weak immune systems are more susceptible to seasonal flu," said a local woman from Laynyintaung Village in Mrauk-U Township.

The Public Health Department under the United League of Arakan (ULA) is providing mosquito repellent and field healthcare in some townships, but residents in remote areas still lack access to healthcare.