JUBA – At least 12 people have died, and 289 cases have been reported following a deadly cholera outbreak in Greater Yirol of South Sudan’s Lakes State, the Ministry of Health confirmed.
State Caretaker Minister of Health, Nelson Makoi Makur, confirmed on Monday that the outbreak has affected several counties across the state.
“It has been reported in the following areas: 10 people died in Lang Matot of Yirol East, one in Yirol West, and another in Awerial,” Makur said.
He further revealed that 12 patients are currently admitted and receiving treatment in various health facilities, while 266 others have recovered and been discharged.
Makur expressed the government’s concern over the situation, emphasising ongoing efforts to contain the outbreak through collaboration with the national government and health partners, including UNICEF and the World Health Organization.
“Cholera is real and dangerous. It requires urgent preventive measures and collective responsibility to contain its spread,” he stated.
Dr. Maker Malok Machuny, the Director General in the State Ministry of Health, confirmed that rapid response teams have been deployed, including risk communication groups, to raise public awareness about prevention and control measures.
“This strain of cholera is more severe than previous ones and can lead to death in less than two days if not treated promptly,” Machuny warned.
He added that the ministry has distributed essential drugs to affected health facilities to ensure timely treatment for patients in outbreak areas.
Machuny also urged communities, especially those living along the Nile, to avoid drinking untreated water.
“Water fetched from the Nile must be boiled or treated with chlorine before use,” he advised.
He said that the national government has been informed of the outbreak and has supported the state with additional medical supplies to strengthen the response.
Health authorities continue to call for vigilance and adherence to preventive measures to curb further spread of the disease.
