Cholera outbreak in Southern Mizoram claims 9 lives, border points with Myanmar sealed
Authorities have shut Myanmar border entry points for two months and intensified surveillance amid rising infections.
Aizawl, Nov 18: The water-borne disease that has claimed six lives in Lawngtlai district and three more in neighbouring Siaha has been confirmed as cholera, Lawngtlai deputy commissioner Donny Lalruatsanga announced on Monday.
Laboratory tests conducted at the Zoram Medical College & Hospital (ZMC&H), Falkawn, established the presence of vibrio cholera in samples collected from affected villagers.
Medical experts classify cholera as a severe form of acute gastroenteritis caused by the vibrio cholerae bacterium, which triggers sudden watery diarrhoea, vomiting and rapid dehydration.
Dr Swagnik Roy, Professor and Head of Microbiology at ZMC&H, confirmed the diagnosis after stool samples and other specimens sent early last week tested positive.
The outbreak has hit Kakichhuah village in Lawngtlai district the hardest, where six people have died. In neighbouring Siaha district, three more fatalities have been reported, taking the total toll in southern Mizoram to nine so far.
In response to the escalating situation, the district administrations of Lawngtlai and Siaha have ordered the closure of all Myanmar border entry points, imposing a two-month ban on cross-border movement.
Authorities said the restrictions were put in place after the infection was suspected to have originated from Paletwa district in southern Chin State, which borders the affected areas of Mizoram.
Officials said surveillance and preventive measures have been intensified in the border belt as health teams continue monitoring for new cases.