Seven dead as cholera outbreak spreads among Myanmar IDPs and locals in Mizoram

Mizzima

Seven people, including Myanmar internally displaced persons (IDPs) and local residents, have died following a cholera outbreak in Mizoram State along the India–Myanmar border, according to local youth organization officials.

The infections have been reported in Kakhi, Tuidan, Lawngmasu, and Lonedar villages in Shaha District, where many IDPs from Paletwa Township, Chin State, are sheltering.

Between 4 and 12 November, seven people died – two Myanmar IDPs, identified as U Lawm Pa (in his 70s) and U Khai Lawk (48), along with three local residents from Hakhi village, one person from Lawngmasu village, and one from Lonedar village.

“Five people have died in our village, and about 40 people are infected. The Lawngtlai authorities have issued an order prohibiting entry and exit to the villages in the affected area,” said Larr Hlaw Mar, president of the Youth of Lai Association (YLA) in Hakhi village, speaking to Mizzima on 13 November.

He said the outbreak began around 4 November but was initially underestimated. The infection rate began to spread rapidly starting from 8 November.