Respiratory illnesses are surging at Karenni Refugee Camp 1 near the Thailand-Myanmar (Thai-Karenni) border, with up to 80 patients seeking medical attention daily amid growing shortages of medicine and basic supplies, local health officials said.

Camp clinic staff report that symptoms such as coughing, sore throats, and runny noses have become increasingly common, particularly among children under 15.

“On average, we see between 50 and 80 patients a day, but during peak seasons for these illnesses, it can reach nearly 100,” said Naw Khu Paw, an official with the camp’s health department.

Data from Karenni Refugee Camps 1 and 2 shows that out of 3,274 patient visits recorded between July and early August, 826 suffered from respiratory infections and 400 required treatment for skin conditions. Seventy patients currently remain under direct care at the clinic.

Health workers attribute the spike partly to seasonal rains, but warn the crisis is being exacerbated by severe resource shortages following the suspension of U.S.-funded healthcare assistance to border camps.

With international support halted, clinics are relying entirely on dwindling stockpiles. Beyond essential medications, health workers report critical shortages of basic medical supplies, including bandages, dressing kits, and thermometers.