A dual outbreak of dengue fever and malaria has struck Waithali Village in Rakhine (Arakan) State's Mrauk-U Township, leaving two people dead and nearly 100 others suffering from severe fevers, according to residents.
The fatalities were identified as Ma Kyi Kyi Win, 28, who died of dengue fever on July 8, and Daw Oo Mya Than, 38, who died the following day.
Both victims reportedly succumbed to the illnesses while undergoing medical treatment after suffering from high fevers for approximately four days.
"Currently, five villagers are hospitalized, and nearly 100 people are receiving treatment at local clinics. At our home, my younger brother just tested positive for malaria," a Waithali resident told DMG.
"With people dying after just four days of fever and almost every household affected, the village is terrified," she added. "Because many people are contracting malaria and dengue fever simultaneously, we are facing an alarming crisis."
According to residents, villagers first began falling ill in late June, with the number of severe cases rising sharply over the past week.
As the outbreak continues to spread across the community, residents are urgently calling on public health authorities to intervene.
"We desperately need health officials to visit our village, conduct medical screenings, and implement mosquito control measures," another resident said. "We need proper healthcare and monitoring immediately."
Both dengue fever and malaria are mosquito-borne diseases prevalent in tropical regions.
Medical professionals note that early symptoms of dengue include sudden high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes.
While dengue is traditionally most severe among children under 15, it can affect individuals of all ages.
The health crisis in Mrauk-U is not isolated. Similar outbreaks have recently been reported elsewhere in the region, with at least five people reportedly dying from malaria and dengue fever in the Phontharchaung area of neighboring Minbya Township.
