At least three people died of cholera and other five suspected cholera cases confirmed in the SPLA-IO controlled areas in Leer County in South Sudan’s Southern Liech State, a spokesperson for the armed opposition said.

Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and even death if untreated.

James Yuoch, spokesman of the SPLA-IO forces in Unity state, told Radio Tamazuj yesterday that three patients died of cholera and other five cases were recorded.

He further said local residents were experiencing deteriorating health conditions and food shortages in the area.Yoach revealed that more than 20,000 families fled to Kok area due to clashes between government troops and opposition fighters.

“There is a cholera outbreak in Kok area in the recent days because there was an influx of displaced people who fled their homes to Kok,”said Yoach.

“So three people died of the disease and other five cases have been recorded so far, and we fear that the disease could spread to other places,” he added.

The rebel official called on humanitarian organizations to intervene before the situation deteriorates further.