By Kantarawaddy Times
Due to seasonal changes, Karenni Refugee Camp No. 1 on the Thai-Karenni border has seen a significant rise in respiratory illness cases over the past two months. These cases primarily affect children under five years old and the elderly.
Symptoms include runny noses, coughing, sore throats, shortness of breath, and fever with headaches. At the camp’s medical clinic, at least 50 people with respiratory symptoms seek treatment daily. According to records from October and November, over 1,300 patients have received treatment for respiratory issues, says Naw Khue Phaw, Director of Health for the Karenni State Government.
“In the camp, we mostly see symptoms like runny noses, fevers, and sore throats, especially in children. There are also cases of difficulty breathing, often linked with runny noses and coughing, which are respiratory illnesses. We’re seeing more cases among children under five. Over the past two months, October and November, we’ve recorded over 1,300 cases with these symptoms, including runny noses, coughing, and breathing difficulties,” said Naw Khue Phaw.
Among the 1,300 cases, those experiencing severe symptoms are kept at the clinic for treatment rather than being sent home.
“He cries a lot, and when he has a bad cough, his chest hurts. His back hurts too, so we have to pat him. We keep him propped up, as lying flat makes it worse. He can’t sleep that way. His chest tightens, his breathing becomes more restricted, and he gets even more exhausted,” said the child’s mother.
Some camp residents purchase necessary medications from local shops, while those with more severe symptoms seek treatment at the clinic. Respiratory illnesses tend to occur annually in Karenni Refugee Camp No. 1 during seasonal transitions.
