The Lakes State Ministry of Health confirmed that the cholera outbreak in the three counties of Yirol East, Yirol West, and Awerial has killed 27 people, while 646 patients have fully recovered from the disease.
The director general in the state health ministry, Maker Malok, told Radio Tamazuj that 7 of the new cases were recorded after a vaccination campaign which targeted 322,696.
“I would like to give you an overview of the cholera outbreak in Lakes State. From 24 to 28 March, we conducted cholera vaccination campaigns in three counties of Lakes State and targeted 322,696 people,” he stated. “We managed to vaccinate 286,266 people, which is 91 percent coverage, in four days. We have seen a few cases coming to our health facilities. We saw only 7 people that are infected after vaccination.”
“From 4 to 17 April, we have seen no more cases being recorded in the three counties of greater Yirol, and I saw the huge impact of the vaccination campaign, which was very fruitful,” Malok added.
He said most of the communities that took the vaccine are now protected.
For his part, Rumbek State Hospital Medical Director Terran Madit said the cholera outbreak has not reached five counties of Lakes State.
“In Rumbek State Hospital, we have not recorded any case of cholera, but we are hearing of cholera in Yirol East, Yirol West, and Awerial counties,” he said.
Dr. Madit however said he was worried that when the rainy season begins, cholera will spread to Rumbek and other counties. He urged the local communities to keep proper hygiene and to report any symptoms of cholera to Rumbek State Hospital immediately.
Meanwhile, Daniel Laat Kon, a civil society activist, called on health partners and the state health ministry to create awareness about cholera through radio and other media.