Meningitis cases in South Sudan’s Upper Nile now number 60, according to the state’s minister of health, Charles Yor Adwok.

4 people have died as a result of the condition and all but one have taken place in the town of Malakal, Yor claimed, speaking to Radio Tamazuj. One suspected case occurred in Akoka outside of the town, although this was only reported after the patient’s death.

Vaccines have been sent to the state from Juba and a vaccination committee has been formed in order to organise the campaign. The minister highlighted the availability of treatment for the condition and reported that specialised team has been formed to tackle and follow-up on all cases at the state hospital.

All ministry of health staff have been vaccinated at Malakal teaching hospital and Yor called upon citizens to report any suspected cases to the state health authorities as soon as possible.

Photo: A child is vaccinated against meningitis at an East Darfur camp (Albert González Farran/ UNAMID)