22 April 2026 — The Arakan Health Department (AHD) has issued a public health warning urging residents in border areas of Chin and Rakhine States to take immediate precautions following a significant and ongoing measles outbreak in neighboring Bangladesh.
The warning, released on 19 April, specifically calls for increased vigilance in Paletwa township in Chin State and the townships of Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, and Pauk Taw in Rakhine State.
The outbreak in Bangladesh has been ongoing for over a week, with reports of rising infections and fatalities. Bangladesh-based news reports indicate that over 100 people have died and thousands have been infected.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through the air from coughing and sneezing. While it can affect all ages, it poses a severe risk of illness or death, especially for unvaccinated children. Common symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, followed by a red rash and small white spots inside the mouth after three to four days.
AHD advised the public to get vaccinated, avoid contact with suspected cases, limit travel to crowded places, and regularly wear masks and wash hands. Those with symptoms are urged to seek immediate medical care at the nearest clinic or hospital and avoid self-treatment, while children with suspected or confirmed cases must be isolated and kept from school.
This health alert is being issued amidst severe political and military instability in the affected border region. Chin State, which includes Paletwa township, is currently dealing with intensified military offensives and aerial campaigns by the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC), leading to a highly volatile environment that complicates both civilian safety and health response efforts.
The Arakan Army (AA) is also reportedly making continuous efforts in measles prevention and warning communities in areas they control along the border. – Reporting by Ben
