By Deng Athian
The Ministry of Health has announced death of six people of Cholera while 243 cases are recorded across the country.
Health Minister, Yolanda Awel Deng made the announcement on Sunday, expressing deep concern over the outbreak.
“We have cases in the Wedwil refugee camp in Northern Bahr El Ghazal, others in Renk and other locations in the country. The transmission was carried in the country from neighbouring Sudan,” Awel stated.
She appeals to people to prevent cholera outbreaks by drinking clean water, avoiding contaminated food, and reducing overcrowding.
“Our people have to be vigilant to protect from the cholera infection. Wash your utensils with clean water and soap. Wash your hands with clean water and drink clean water. You can also report the suspected case to the nearest health facility,” Awel advised the public.
She spoke on Sunday evening, declaring a cholera outbreak in the country.
She said the ministry is working diligently to contain the spread of the disease and provide necessary medical care to affected individuals.
Last month, the National Ministry of Health declared an outbreak of cholera in Renk County, Upper Nile State following the confirmation of six cases through laboratory testing.
The first suspected case was reported on 28 September 2024 after the County Health Department received a report of a suspected case of cholera at the point of entry in Renk, a border town between Sudan and South Sudan.
The outbreak has primarily affected individuals aged 15 and above, with a nearly equal distribution between males and females, according to the health authorities.
The Ministry said it strengthening Response Interventions by focusing on coordination, surveillance, case management, water, sanitation, hygiene, infection prevention and control, risk communication, community engagement, safe burials, points of entry, and operations and logistics.
It was also establishing Cholera Treatment Units (CTUs), to provide immediate care for affected individuals.
To prevent the spread of cholera, the public is urged to; drink and use safe and clean water, wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, use latrines for defecation, cook food thoroughly and eat hot, peel fruits and vegetables and maintain a clean environment.