Health authorities have reported at least three deaths and 63 infections following an outbreak of cholera in Unity State.
The National Ministry of Health also reported the outbreak in Renk County of Upper Nile State last month.
Unity State Health Director General Dr Duol Biem, speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday, confirmed the 63 cases of infection and the three deaths in Rubkona and the Bentiu IDP camp hospital under MSF.
“The cases were reported from four locations of Unity State, known as Ritriak Payam, Bentiu hospital, Bentiu IDP camp and Rubkona County,” Dr Duol said.
He said that the first case was reported on November 22, and within one week, they had risen to 63, with three deaths reported.
The Health Director explained the symptoms of the highly infectious cholera, pointing out that most of those infected exhibited mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
“About 1 in 10 people developed severe symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps, losing body fluids quickly, leading to dehydration,” Dr Duol explained.
“Fifty-three people were under treatment at four locations at the Bentiu IDP camp under MSF hospital and Rubkonta and Bentiu hospitals, including the Rotriak PHUC,’’ he said.
The medical boss disclosed that 30 out of the 57 patients who were in hospitals had been discharged.
The Unity Health Ministry has deployed teams to conduct awareness campaigns and advise the people on the preventive measures.
Bentiu town resident Much Tang said the cholera cases had risen on daily basis since the first reported infection.
Tang appealed to the Unity State government to heighten the awareness, especially on the preventive measures.