The number of confirmed cholera cases at Bentiu IDP camp and Rubkona County of Unity State has risen to at least 111 cases, officials said.
The National Ministry of Health reported 21 confirmed cases of cholera from Bentiu IDP camp Rubkona County on April 14.
Cholera is a disease characterised by sudden onset of profuse, watery diarrhoea without fever or abdominal cramps. Vomiting, which can be severe, and painful leg cramps are also common symptoms.
For the last couple of years, South Sudan has experienced devastating floods affecting a large number of people, mainly women and children and displacing them from their homes and livelihoods.
Stephen Tot Cheng, the Minister of Health in the State, speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, said 111 cholera cases have been recorded in Rubkona County and Bentiu IDP camp so far.
The state minister pointed out that the cholera outbreak was due to poor hygiene and sanitation in the area.
“In the camp, children defecate outside openly, and there are no proper hygiene and enough latrines, so this was the cause of the cholera outbreak,” Tot said. “The cholera vaccination is still going on in all parts of the camp and Rubkona.”
Meanwhile, Jal Kuol Malou, Director of Rubkona County Health Department, confirmed that cholera cases have risen to 111.
“The cholera cases might reduce because we are in the quarter of the year now. We have managed to vaccinate 25,196 people,” he said.