A severe diarrhea outbreak has affected over 60 residents in villages near Inle Lake, with aid workers warning of a growing health crisis due to poor sanitation and limited medical resources.

The outbreak, first reported in early May, has spread across three villages, North, Middle, and South Lel Thit, located in the Nga Pei Chaung village tract of Nyaungshwe Township, southern Shan State. A local relief volunteer attributed the surge in cases to rapidly warming temperatures after recent rains, accelerating food spoilage, and inadequate sanitation infrastructure.

“Drinking water is available through filters, but broken or insufficient latrines are exacerbating the problem,” the volunteer told SHAN. “Without immediate intervention, the illness could spread throughout the community.”

With cases rising, villagers are urgently requesting medical assistance, fearing a full-scale health emergency. Currently, only one doctor is available in Lel Thit (3) village to treat suspected cholera cases, while aid workers emphasize the critical need for additional medical personnel, oral rehydration solutions, and essential medicines.

The affected communities are still recovering from the devastating March 28 earthquake that struck the Inle Lake region, which claimed lives and destroyed homes. Ongoing recovery efforts have left many residents vulnerable, with limited access to healthcare and sanitation facilities.

Health officials and humanitarian organizations are being urged to mobilize resources swiftly to contain the outbreak and prevent further suffering.