Eight people have died this month following a gastroenteritis outbreak in two southern districts of Mizoram, officials from the state health department said. The outbreak has been reported mainly in remote villages that are close to the Myanmar border and are also home to several displaced people who have been living in temporary camps.
According to officials, five deaths were reported from Kakichhuah village in Lawngtlai district. The remaining three deaths occurred in two villages under Siaha district. The health department said a total of 45 people are currently infected with the waterborne disease across the two districts. Many of the patients are said to be children, elderly people, and refugees from Myanmar who have limited access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation.
Health department director Dr. Vanlalfela told reporters that the disease was spreading mostly in relief camps where displaced families from Myanmar are staying. He said district officials and medical teams were keeping a close watch on the situation and trying to ensure that the outbreak did not spread to more areas. 
In Lawngtlai district, senior chief medical officer Dr. Lalmuanawma Jongte said the first cases were detected in Kakichhuah village on November 4. So far, five people—including four Myanmar nationals, two of whom were refugees—have died in the village. Around 27 more people are currently undergoing treatment for symptoms of gastroenteritis. Dr. Jongte said the outbreak is suspected to have started after some residents came into contact with infected individuals from Salachhuah village in Myanmar.
A medical team was sent to Kakichhuah on November 11 to collect samples from patients and from local water sources. These samples have been sent to Zoram Medical College and Hospital in Falkawn for further testing. A Rapid Response Team has also been deployed to the village, and local health workers have intensified surveillance and awareness efforts.
In neighbouring Siaha district, chief medical officer Dr. Lalrengpuii Ralte confirmed that gastroenteritis cases were reported from Lomasu and Lodaw villages from November 5 onwards. Three people have died so far. Fourteen people are currently infected in Lomasu and another four in Lodaw. A medical team visited both villages on November 11 and collected samples of water and stool, which will also be tested at Zoram Medical College.
Officials noted that all three affected villages Kakichhuah, Lomasu, and Lodaw are located very close to the Myanmar border, making cross-border movement easy and frequent. They said this movement, along with overcrowded living conditions and limited clean water facilities in refugee camps, may have contributed to the fast spread of the disease.
The Lawngtlai district administration on Wednesday declared Kakichhuah village a containment zone for two months. Movement in and out of the village has been restricted except for medical, election and emergency-related work. Local authorities said they are trying to improve water supply, distribute ORS packets, and spread awareness about hygiene to prevent further deaths.
