At least three people have been confirmed dead and 20 others were in critical condition from a suspected cholera outbreak in Logire Village of Ikotos County in Eastern Equatoria State.
Health officials said the three died on January 31 and February 1. The 16 patients in critical conditions were at the Ikotos Primary Health Care Center, while four others were at a case management center in Logire Village.
The suspected cholera outbreak, the officials explained, was reported on January 29 in Logire Village in Imotong Payam.
The highly infectious disease inflicts the small intestines with strains of the bacterium vibrio cholera. Symptoms may range from none to mild, to severe. The classic symptom is large amount of watery diarrhea, lasting a few days and vomiting. Muscle convulsions may also occur.
Ikotos County Health authorities said a surveillance team was on the ground to assess the situation.
The Ikwoto Primary Health Care Center In-charge, Karlo Lodai, told Radio Tamazuj that the dead and the patients had faced severe dehydration and watery diarrhea.
He said the samples from the suspected casualties were sent to Torit for further examinations.
Ikwoto County Health Surveillance Officer Mathew Lobuo confirmed the suspected outbreak, saying surveillance response team were offering health education in the area.
He, however, said the admitted patients’ conditions were improving, stressing on the locals to consider preventive measures.
“We started giving health education and we are doing mobilization, especially on the preventive measures so that people should not gather and they should not drink unsafe water,” he explained.
Ikotos County Paramount Chief Joseph Odongi said the residents lived in fear of further spread, calling for government and health partners to deliver medicines.
Odongi expressed fear that the outbreak may spread if not urgently controlled.
“The people can only be safe through the delivery of medicines and we need the government to intervene before it spreads. The locals are now living in fear because this disease is dangerous,” he said.
The Ikotos County Health Department has established a case management center to provide education and counselling to the local community.
Eastern Equatoria State Ministry of Health authorities were not available for comment.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by the consumption of the bacterium Vibrio Cholerae in contaminated food or water. The bacterial disease, which is often distinguishable by clinical presentation like severe vomiting and rice water-like diarrhea, can be fatal within hours if left untreated.
There is no specific cholera treatment. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS), Intravenous fluids, and antibiotics are highly recommended for the infected. To contain the spread, it is advisable that adequate sanitation, including measures like drinking of clean treated water, avoidance of open defecation, and covering all food before serving, be observed.