The number of patients hospitalised with diarrhoeal illness in Yangon Region has increased in recent days compared with early August, according to local social welfare organisations.

Volunteers said the rise is likely linked to a combination of factors, including the consumption of drinking water, the increased availability of seasonal fruits during the rainy season, and other environmental conditions.

“The number of patients is higher than last week. With it being the rainy season and more fruits becoming available, along with other contributing factors, we are seeing more diarrhoea cases. Hospitals are keeping these patients in separate wards from other patients,” an official from a Yangon-based social welfare organisation said.

At Yangon General Hospital, patients admitted with diarrhoeal illness range from those in their 20s to those in their 40s, according to social welfare volunteers assisting at the hospital.

“Patients in their 40s have also been admitted, while there are also patients in their 20s receiving treatment. Hospital staff are closely monitoring and caring for them,” another official from a Yangon social welfare organisation said.

A Yangon Region Health Department official said township health authorities and medical teams are closely monitoring the situation and providing necessary care to reduce the spread of diarrhoeal disease. The official also urged the public to exercise caution over food, drinking water and other potential sources of infection that could cause diarrhoea.