Three cholera death cases confirmed in Unity State
By Yien Gattuor
At least 63 cases of Cholera and three related deaths were reported by the health authority in Unity State on Sunday.
Dr. Duol Biem, the Director General of the Ministry of Health in Unity State, said three people were confirmed dead in Rubkonta and Bentiu IDP camp hospital, run by MSF.
“The cases were reported from four locations of Unity State known as Riohriak Payam, Bentiu Hospital, Bentiu IDP camp, and Rubkonta county,” Dr Duol said.
The director general said the first case was reported on November 22, and the numbers have since risen to 63 cases within just a week.
Most people who get cholera have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. About 1 in 10 people develop severe symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps. Losing body fluids quickly can lead to dehydration and shock.
“The 63 people were under treatment at four locations, including Bentiu IDP camp under MSF hospital, Rubkonta hospital and Bentiu hospital and the Riohriak PHUC. Among 57 patients who were in the hospitals, 30 were discharged,” Biem explained.
The director said the outbreak is only within Rubkonta County, Bentiu town and Bentiu IDP camp. The rest of the six counties are free from the disease.
A resident of Bentiu town, Much Tang, said the cases of cholera have been increasing since the first case was recorded.
Tang appealed to the Unity State government to conduct awareness across the state to provide relevant information to the communities.
The National Ministry of Health declared the outbreak of Cholera in Renk County of Upper Nile State in November.
