Skin Infection Outbreak Re-emerges in Hpruso Township
21 January, 2026
In Hpruso Township, a skin itching disease has been spreading among local residents and internally displaced people in Dolasaw Village on the western side of the township during this December, according to social organization officials.
Due to water scarcity during the winter season, personal hygiene has declined, leading to a recurrence of skin diseases.
“We have to go very far just to bathe, so most of the time we don’t. It’s the same with washing clothes. Once it starts, I scratch all night. Even my fingernails get damaged,” one displaced person who was infected said.
In the western part of Hpruso Township, Kayah (Karenni) State, skin disease cases had nearly disappeared around late October last year. However, in early December 2026, poor water sanitation and transmission among remaining patients have led to about 50 people currently being infected, according to reports.
Most of those currently infected said their symptoms improve after applying SULOKORTAF (hydrocortisone acetate cream).
However, one tube of the medicine costs more than 10,000 kyats, making it difficult for infected people to afford or access it.
As an emergency measure, one tube of the medicine is currently being shared between two patients, while some are relying solely on traditional forest remedies for treatment, according to reports.
"Some children have swelling all over their bodies. When they urinate, there is blood, so we had to send them to the hospital. Here, it’s not easy to access hospitals or clinics. When something happens, we just try to treat it ourselves and endure it," a mother said.
Around 665 people, including local residents and internally displaced persons, are currently living in Dola Saw Village. Due to severe transportation difficulties, humanitarian access to the area remains limited, resulting in fewer donors reaching the community and leaving it in greater need of assistance compared to other areas.
In addition, more than 200 people in Dola Saw Village have been affected by seasonal influenza and also require medical support. However, representatives of the displaced community said priority should be given to addressing the skin disease outbreak, which poses a more immediate and life-threatening risk.
0 Comments