Seasonal flu cases surge in Arakan during transitional period

By Admin 27 Sep 2025

DMG Newsroom

27 September 2025, Mrauk-U

Health circles and local residents report a rise in seasonal flu cases and transmissions in townships such as Sittwe, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, and Ponnagyun in Arakan State due to the changing season.

It is understood that the incidence of flu has been increasing since the beginning of September, affecting both children and adults.

In Ponnagyun Township, locals say about three out of every five people are suffering from seasonal flu, experiencing symptoms such as fever, runny nose, cough, body aches, diarrhea, and vomiting.

"On the first day it started, my body temperature kept rising steadily. Then I felt chills and my body shivered. I had a headache, runny nose, and then a cough that made my lungs feel sore. Those with low immunity suffer more," said a young man from Ponnagyun Township.

Similarly, in Sittwe, which is under junta control, almost every household has at least one person affected by seasonal flu, and due to medicine shortages, people are resorting to traditional remedies, according to Sittwe residents.

Health circles explain that seasonal flu is a type of respiratory viral disease that can easily spread through coughing and sneezing in crowded places. It poses a higher risk of infection to those with weak immunity, the elderly, and young children.

"We see many people getting the flu, from children to adults of all ages. There are also many people coming to buy medicine for flu. I think it's mainly due to the seasonal transition. Since it's a contagious disease, proper prevention and treatment are needed," said a female pharmacy owner from Kyauktaw Township.

Health circles stated that seasonal flu is common during the transition from the end of the rainy season to the start of winter. It is more severe than a common cold, and delayed treatment can even lead to death.

"These seasonal flu cases occur more due to the seasonal transition. Normally, after a fever, it goes away, but it shouldn't be taken lightly. For those with weak immunity, high fevers and prolonged fevers can occur. Prevention is more effective than cure. Therefore, extra care is needed during this period," said an unnamed man from the United League of Arakan (ULA) health circle.

Health circles also point out that seasonal flu often occurs due to lack of sleep, excessive alcohol consumption, fatigue, and bathing late at night.

Therefore, to prevent seasonal flu outbreaks, health circles advise avoiding close contact with symptomatic patients, covering the mouth and nose properly when sneezing or coughing, washing hands thoroughly with soap afterwards, and getting adequate rest and sleep.

On the other hand, locals in Arakan, who are already facing medicine shortages, say they become more worried about life-threatening risks when they fall ill.

Similarly, it is emphasized that extra caution is needed to prevent the spread of seasonal flu in displacement camps where thousands of people are gathered.