Arakan state has the largest outbreak of schistosomiasis cases among fourteen states and regions in Myanmar, said Dr Kyi Lwin, head of the Department of Public Health in Arakan State.

“The outbreaks of schistosomiasis are still discovered here. And diarrhea is also prevalent here. Arakan has the most rampant cases of schistosomiasis in Myanmar,” Dr Kyi Lwin told the media in a campaign held on May 21 at U Ottama Hall in Sittwe to prevent schistosomiasis disease caused by parasitic worms from freshwater snails.

Currently, children are the worst affected group with schistosomiasis which can lead to anemia, a life- threatening condition, said Dr. Phyu Phyu Aye, Director of Health Education Division.

“That parasitic worms eat all the nutrients in the body and causes anemia. So, it affects children the worst,” she said.

To prevent the disease, people need to access clean food and safe water to ensure personal hygiene and good health.