Since early November, a diarrhea outbreak has claimed six lives in Khaikhy Village of Mizoram State, India, where many Chin refugees from Paletwa Township, Chin State.

The death toll increased to six after two more people died on November 12, following the initial report of four deaths. Currently, Tuidam, another Mizoram State village, which also hosts many Chin refugees, is also experiencing a surge in diarrhea cases.

“Two more people died in Khaikhy this morning. It’s still unclear whether they are refugees or locals. The cause of death is diarrhea. Khaikhy and Tuidam are villages near the border, and the main problem there is the shortage of medicine. Patients with severe diarrhea are suffering from nausea and vomiting, and some have died. Diarrhea cases have been rising again since early November, and the total death toll has now reached six,” ‌said a resident of Mizoram State.

The two villages also experienced a diarrhea outbreak in January caused by unsafe drinking water, but no deaths were reported at that time. The current outbreak is more severe and has resulted in fatalities.

“Earlier this week, NGO staff from Lawngtlai Town arrived in Khaikhy Village and started providing treatment under the supervision of a doctor. The people who died were also from Khaikhy. I believe those lives were lost because of the lack of proper healthcare. Medicines have been sent to Tuidam, but no health workers have gone there yet. There are diarrhea patients in Tuidam too, but no deaths have been reported so far,” a local told Chin World.

In Khaikhy, around 500 Chin refugees and locals live together, and about 200 of them have been diagnosed with diarrhea. In Tuidam, there are roughly 600 residents, including Chin refugees and locals, with 18 reported diarrhea cases.

Photo credit - CJ