Cholera infection rate in South Sudan surpasses 200-mark -WHO

Cholera infection rate in South Sudan surpasses 200-mark -WHO
The government has issued a cholera alert to avert the possible outbreak in the country. [Photo: Courtesy]

Nineteen new cholera cases have been confirmed in at a local camp for the Internally Displaced Persons – IDPs, taking the total national infection rate to above 200 mark.

The cases, according to World Health Organization (WHO), were recorded at Bentiu Camp, Unity State.

 “Nineteen (19) new cholera cases (including one RDT positive case) reported from Bentiu IDP camp,” WHO said in a weekly report.

The 19 new cases takes to 233 nationwide number of positive cases so far reported in the country.

One person has succumbed to the disease.

Cholera is a bacterial infection spread mostly by eating contaminated food and unsafe water.

According to the weekly reports, from the ministry of health and the WHO, the current transmission remains sporadic.

“Continuous increase in weekly caseload observed since the sharp reduction in the number of cases during week 20 with 34 cases being reported during week 24 and 19 cases in week 25, with caution that five designated sites did not report during week 25 (ending 26 June 2022), the report reads.

The first positive case in South Sudan this year was first reported in April 4.

Cholera prevention

Some of the key preventive measures include drinking clean and treated water (boiled or chlorinated), thoroughly washing with soap and clean running water after using the latrine, and before handling and before handling food.

It is also recommended to use latrines or bury your faeces and do not defecate in any water body. Additionally, cook food well, keep it covered, and eat it hot. Also wash then peel your fruits and vegetables. Before consuming.

South Sudan Cholera outbreak situation report 

Highlights as of 26 June 2022 report in

• 19 new cholera cases (including 1 RDT positive case) reported from Bentiu IDP camp.

• Zero new deaths reported.

• Zero case on admission in Bentiu IDP as of 26 June 2022.

• 233 cholera cases including one death have been reported cumulatively.

• 38 RDT positive cases of whom, 29 tested culture positive.

• South Sudan with support from WHO and partners is finalizing the multi-year national cholera plan, 2022-2027.

• Inadequate

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