Diarrhoea cases surge in Yangon

By Admin 16 Aug 2026

DMG Newsroom

16 August 2026, Yangon

Cholera and diarrhoea cases continue to surge across Yangon Region, resulting in at least one death and more than 260 infections, according to statements released by the military junta's Yangon Region government.

Since August 9, patients suffering from severe diarrhoea have been admitted to hospitals across nine townships, including Latha, Lanmadaw, Pabedan and Kyauktada townships.

Data from the Yangon Region government indicates that 260 cases were recorded by August 13, with 98 patients requiring hospital admission. Among them, an elderly man died on August 13.

Hospital admissions remain high, and daily infection rates continue to climb, according to a local man in Yangon.

"The number of diarrhoea cases in Yangon has spiked dramatically in recent days. A friend of mine has had cholera for three days. He was hospitalized on August 13 and has not been discharged yet. Doctors conducted blood tests and mentioned there is no cause for panic because he is young and has strong immunity," he said.

In response to the outbreak, local authorities ordered the temporary closure of street food stalls while advising the public to strictly avoid street food, unhygienic water and ice, and to use fly-proof toilets properly.

A local woman attributed the outbreak to recent localized flooding in affected townships and poor water quality provided by municipal services.

"The diarrhoea outbreak is caused by water quality. It is most prevalent in townships hit by flooding. Municipal water supplies are also unhygienic, exacerbating the situation. Elderly people with weak immunity face higher risks, leading to fatalities," she said.

Street vendors in heavily affected townships have been prohibited from operating since August 13, with reopening pending further assessment of the situation, local residents noted.

The Department of Health announced that treatment wards have been opened across 65 hospitals, including Yangon General Hospital, to treat individuals affected by the outbreak.