There have been 235 cases of Kala-azar disease in South Sudan including 5 deaths since December 29, the UN’s humanitarian arm OCHA said in its latest country report.
The highest number of cases were reported from Chuil and Lankien treatment centers in Jonglei’s Nyirol County, as well as Walgak treatment center in Jonglei’s Akobo County, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in an emailed reponse to questions from Radio Tamazuj.
Three of the deaths occurred in Lankien with two in Walgak.
WHO said that health partners are responding with provision of long-lasting insecticide treated nets, distribution of ready to use therapeutic food for patients, and delivery of drugs and testing kits to treatment facilities.
Kala-azar, also known as “visceral leishmaniasis,” is a fatal disease carried by a tiny parasite and spread by the bite of a sand fly. It is prevalent in parts of South Sudan causing fever and weight loss. Without treatment patients can die within weeks.
File photo (MSF)
Related:
Kala-azar cases in South Sudan more than twice 2013 total (26 Oct.)
Kala-azar deaths in South Sudan reach 125 (20 Sept.)
Factbox: Kala-azar disease in South Sudan (2 Sept.)