Two people have died of diarrhoea in Sajek union under Baghaichhari upazila of Rangamati while at least 25 people have been affected.
The deceased are Gabati Bala Tripura, 55, and Darung Tripura, 70.
Around 20-25 people in that neighbourhood and in various surrounding villages including women, children and old people are suffering from diarrhoea, Baghaichhari upazila administration on Wednesday said.
Sajek Union Ward No 7 member Banbihari Chakma said: "Since last week, there has been a diarrhoea outbreak in several areas including Lungtian Para, Arun Para, Kaija Para, Raina Para and Sealdah area of Sajek."
It is not possible to send patients to Machalong and Upazila Sadar hospitals on foot as there is no road transport system in the area, he said.
The patients could receive quick medical care if a medical team can be sent by helicopter with the help of the army or the death toll may increase.
Sajek Union Ward No 9 member Jopuithang Tripura said: "The disease has spread mainly from water. In 2016, 6 people died here due to diarrhoea. Later, the Army helicopter medical team helped to bring the situation under control. This time too, the number of patients and the number of dead may increase if measures are not taken quickly."
Medical Officer of Baghaichari Upazila Health Complex, Dr Aurobindu Chakma said: "A medical 4 member team has already left for Sajek with the necessary medicine, saline and water purification tablets. It will take one day to reach the scene on foot from Sajek's Kanglak neighbourhood. Further details will be known when the medical team arrives."
Baghaichhari Upazila Executive Officer Rumana Akhter said: "Two people died due to diarrhoea. More than 50 people are affected by this disease. A medical team will be sent tomorrow morning as the area is quite inaccessible."
He also said that some necessary medicines and pure water have been sent through the local UP chairman and members.
Meanwhile, Sajek UP Chairman Atulal Chakma said due to the lack of safe drinking water, residents of several villages of the district are drinking contaminated water due to rain.
