Humanitarians recorded 260 more kala-azar cases in South Sudan last week, bringing the 2014 total to 4,624.

This is up from 1,614 cumulative cases up to the same week in 2013.

The new numbers were released in the weekly situation update from the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

OCHA said most of the cases were in Chuil, Lankien, and Malakal.

"A full response to Kalaazar requires additional health and nutrition partners to support treatment facilities," OCHA said. "In addition, more health partners need training on diagnosis and case management."

Kala-azar is transmitted by the bite of the sand fly and can be fatal within weeks if not treated.

Related:

Factbox: Kala-azar disease in South Sudan

File photo: A child suffering from Kala Azar in Ayod (Medair)

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