The local authorities in Jonglei State’s Duk County have voiced concern over the alarmingly high cholera prevalence in parts of the county, with at least 433 cases including 23 deaths since last month.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, John Chatim Ruei, the Duk County commissioner, said the accumulative cases were reported over the period 16 December to 6 January, with at least 170 patients fighting for their lives at various facilities amidst inadequate treatment.
“During the inspection of Poktap Cholera Treatment Centre (CTC) Tuesday, I found the situation very alarming,” he revealed. “Since 16 December, a total of 433 cholera cases were recorded, with 230 successfully discharged and 170 still hospitalized across the county. Of the prevalence, 23 patients are being treated at Poktap alone while 23 other patients succumbed to the illness across the county.”
The commissioner said the situation was alarming.
“Drugs and injectable fluids are lacking. Cases are everywhere in the county, with swampy areas, Poktap town, Panaru, and Duk Padiet, the worst hit,” he said. “We appeal for health intervention from our health ministry and partners. As we speak, 8 patients, including 4 children, are in critical condition at Poktap CTC.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Ding Stephen, the medical director at the Poktap facility, said while the outbreak was being contained, fresh cases continue to be admitted.
“The outbreak is being contained, not like before. However, we are still receiving new cases,” he asserted.
A cholera patient, Nyakoor Chuol, said she was feeling better after 2 days of hospitalization.
“I am now feeling better because three days ago, my situation was very dire,” she said. “The problem now is that doctors are running out of drugs and there is no food. We are appealing for assistance.”
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.