In western Hpruso Township, Karenni State, residents of Din Lah Kyo village—including school-age children—have been experiencing a rising number of skin disease cases, according to a local health worker.

“It affects people of all ages, but it is more common among school-age children. The cases are concentrated in Din Lah Kyo village and began spreading from students living in the dormitory.

Medication support has been provided by donors, but every year during this season we see recurring cases of skin disease. It is contagious and takes a long time to heal,” the health worker explained.

Since July 30, boarding school students have been affected, developing red rashes across their bodies along with itching, pustules, and swelling.

Seventeen boarding students and fifteen villagers have sought treatment at the local clinic for skin infections, according to clinic records. After more than a month, symptoms have not fully disappeared, though some patients have shown slight improvement. Beyond Din Lah Kyo, cases have also been reported in nearby villages, though the exact numbers remain unconfirmed.

“There is still a need for medicine. We do our best to secure and provide what we can,” the health worker added.

Skin diseases tend to occur annually during the rainy season, and due to their contagious nature, the demand for medicine remains high. In addition to skin infections, seasonal flu outbreaks are also common during periods of weather change, the health worker noted.

Din Lah Kyo village hosts over 700 residents, including boarding students and internally displaced persons (IDPs).