By Yien Gattour Mead
In the past three months, Rubkona County in Unity State has recorded at least 451 cases of Hepatitis B, according to health officials.
Over the same period, Unity State also reported cases of Hepatitis E from two locations: Bentiu IDP Hospital and Bentiu Hospital.
Jal Kuol, the County Health Director in Rubkona, confirmed to this outlet that 451 cases of Hepatitis B were recorded from June to the end of August.
Kuol explained that the virus can be spread through sexual contact and sharing needles or syringes.
“Among the 451 cases, there have been no reported deaths during these three months. 180 cases were registered in June, 150 in July, and 81 by the end of August,” he stated.
Those who tested positive for Hepatitis B are receiving treatment at Bentiu Hospital and the Bentiu IDP camp hospital under the care of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
“We are educating our community to seek health checks every three months. If someone tests positive, they can receive a free Hepatitis B vaccination from MSF,” Kuol added.
Hepatitis B is transmitted when blood, semen, or other bodily fluids from an infected individual enter the bloodstream of someone who is not infected.