South Sudan declares new cholera outbreak in Malakal

JUBA, MARCH 8, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – South Sudan Ministry of Health on Wednesday declared a cholera outbreak following confirmation of 179 cases and 1 death in Malakal town of the country’s Upper Nile State.

Yolanda Awel Deng, Minister of Health said 179 cases were recorded in late February this year.

“Since 22^nd February 2023, a total of 179 cases including one death have been reported in Malakal, Upper Nile State,” Awel said in a statement seen by Sudans Post on Wednesday.

She said about 106 cases are for males while 73 accounts for females.

“On 22^nd February, Medicine’s San Frontiers (MFS) in Malakal, Upper Nile State received an alert of increasing cases of acute watery diarrhea and vomiting in children aged 1 year and below.”

Awel revealed that 109 cases have been reported in Malakal town while 70 are from Malakal Protection of Civilians Sites.

“Overall, cases patients between 0-4 years old are mostly affected with 170 of the 179 cases reported. Of these, 109 are from Malakal town while 70 are from Malakal Protection of Civilians Sites,” she said.

She urged the public not to panic, but to remain calm and observe all the precautionary measures to prevent community transmission

“The Ministry of Health will continue to work with partners to ensure preparedness, readiness, and response efforts are fully implemented and people of South Sudan are protected from cholera,” she said.

According to the minister, the precautionary measures include drinking and using water that has been made safe after treating it with chlorine or water that has been boiled.

She urged the members of the public to always wash their hands with soap and safe water before cooking, before handling or eating or after feeding children, and after using the latrine or cleaning children.

“The public is further urged to be vigilant and report all suspected cholera cases to the national outbreak hotline 6666 or the nearest health facility, County Health Department.”