![An internally displaced man seen at Bentiu POC site [Photo by UN]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/bentiu-POC.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)
At least 905 cases of Hepatitis E virus including eight deaths have been reported in Bentiu IDPs camps.
The death includes a 27-year-old pregnant woman.
Hepatitis E is a virus that causes liver disease. It can lead to acute liver failure and death, and is particularly dangerous for pregnant women.
Its symptoms that include yellowing of eyes, skills, mucus membranes, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and abdominal pain are treatable, but there is no cure.
The virus is transmitted through drinking water or eating food that is contaminated with the virus.
“The Ministry of Health would like to inform the general public that Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) case are on rising in Bentiu IDP camp,” Dr. John Rumunu, Head of Health Services at the Ministry of Health reporters during the routine Sunday weekly briefing on COVID-19 at Emergency Operation Center (EOP) in Juba.
Dr. Rumunu attributed the escalating cases of Hepatitis virus to poor sanitation and hygiene in the camp.
“Open defecation is on the rise especially along with oxidation ponds that are used by households for washing, bathing, and for recreation purposes by children,” he said.
He said the risk of being infected can dramatically be reduced by washing hands with soap after using the toilet, drinking clean water and avoiding eating uncooked fruits and vegetables.
“The other interventions underway include WASH needs assessments targeted hygiene promotion at the household level,” he said.
He urged the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of Hepatitis E virus to nearby health facilities or health authorities.
The cases of HEV in the settlement have been increasing every year from 2019.
From 2019 to 2020, the cases increased by 147, and from 2020 to August 2021, the cases increased by 219.
