By Ngor Deng Matem
The Ministry of Health in Abyei Administrative Area, along with its partners, has declared an outbreak of Hepatitis E disease.
This declaration comes after 14 suspected cases were confirmed positive, according to the Abyei Ministry of Health and its health partners.
“The Ministry of Health of Abyei Special Administrative Area is hereby declaring the outbreak of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Abyei Box as a matter of urgent public health concern. These cases had been noted and documented between May 30 and July 14, 2024, as Abyei received 14 suspected cases of Hepatitis E virus, all of which tested positive on rapid diagnostic tests (RDT), partly read the statement.
“Among five samples, three cases were confirmed on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, one was rejected, and one tested negative at the National Public Health Laboratory in Juba. The outbreak has resulted in three mortalities, with a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 21.4%, including pregnant women.”
Health Minister Deng Arop Mathiang stated that the spread of the disease was caused by the influx of refugees and returnees who had escaped the war in Sudan.
Minister Deng called on the South Sudan national government and health partners to intervene and address the outbreak.
He also urged the people in Abyei to protect themselves from Hepatitis E virus infection and encouraged everyone to get tested at health facilities that conduct Hepatitis testing.
The declaration of the Hepatitis E outbreak in Abyei highlights the need for a coordinated response from the government and health partners to contain the spread of the disease and provide the necessary medical care to affected individuals.