Teenagers in the Daw Noe Ku IDP camp, located along the Thailand-Karenni border, are reportedly experiencing a high prevalence of skin irritations.

“Generally, it’s not just younger children; the issue is more common among teenagers, particularly those attending school. It’s especially prevalent among students living in dormitories. Male students are more commonly affected than their female counterparts, although cases among females are also reported,” stated a staff from the Daw Noe Ku medical clinic.

Symptoms include itching all over the body, red rashes on the legs, fluid-filled blisters, swelling, and inflammation. The clinic reports seeing at least 10 cases daily, with over 160 cases documented in a single month.

A staff from the clinic suggested that the cause might be linked to the use of contaminated water.

“In Daw Noe Ku, the main issue we encounter is water,” said a staff member. “Even when water is available, the supply is often delayed. Sometimes, the containers we inspect are filled with waste. At the bottom of the buckets, there’s often about half an inch of sediment. Based on these observations, we conclude that the water quality is likely the cause of the problem.”

While some patients recover within a month or two, others have been suffering from skin irritations for years, according to reports from the camp.