Aizawl: The death toll from a gastroenteritis outbreak in a village in south Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district has risen to six, an official said on Sunday.
According to Dr. Malsawmtluanga, medical officer of the Lawngtlai district hospital, the outbreak, suspected to have been triggered by visitors from Myanmar, was first reported on November 4 in Kakhichhuah, a small border village of around 130 families.
Since then, six people have died and 84 others are currently infected, he said.
A medical team has been stationed in the village since November 11, maintaining close surveillance to contain the spread.
Dr. Malsawmtluanga noted that most infections were detected in households lacking safe water sources and stressed the need to use boiled or purified drinking water and maintain strict food and household hygiene.
He urged residents to watch for symptoms such as stomach pain and diarrhoea and to seek immediate medical attention.
The gastroenteritis outbreak was also reported in south Mizoram’s Siaha district, which also shares a border with Myanmar, and 3 people have succumbed to the disease in the district till November 13.
On Sunday, Lawngtlai Deputy Commissioner Donny Lalruatsanga visited Kakhichhuah to review ongoing response measures. The village has been declared a containment zone, with cross-border movement to and from Myanmar restricted for two months. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
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The administration assured that essential medicines will continue to be supplied and health workers have been instructed to remain on high alert and follow strict hygiene protocols.
