A cholera outbreak has been declared in Nyirol County, Jonglei State, with local authorities confirming 17 cases and two deaths.
The outbreak has sparked urgent calls for humanitarian aid to prevent further spread of the disease.
James Bol Makuey, the county commissioner, confirmed the outbreak in an interview with Radio Tamazuj on Friday. He warned of the potential for more casualties if immediate action is not taken.
“We have already lost two lives, and we are working hard to prevent the situation from worsening,” Mr Makuey said. “We are appealing to well-wishers, humanitarian organizations, and the government to assist us with medical supplies, clean water, and community education on prevention measures.”
Cholera, a waterborne disease linked to poor sanitation and contaminated water, can cause severe dehydration and death if untreated.
Local authorities have begun distributing oral rehydration salts and setting up cholera treatment centres, but resources are limited. Health experts have warned that without swift intervention, the risk of further deaths will rise.
“We are doing what we can with the resources available, but the situation is overwhelming,” Mr Makuei added. “Support from humanitarian agencies is critical to saving lives and preventing a larger crisis.”
Cholera outbreaks are a recurring issue in South Sudan, where fragile health infrastructure and seasonal flooding often lead to water contamination.
The country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis has further strained its ability to respond to such emergencies, underscoring the need for international support to curb the spread of the disease.