An outbreak of cholera that has killed at least 118 people is declining in the South Sudanese capital but continues to spread in the town of Torit to the east, according to the South Sudan Red Cross.
The UN says that nationwide there have been 5,459 cases as of 30 July, with a case fatality rate of 2.16 percent.
“Despite the decline in cholera cases in Juba where the first cases of cholera were reported, the disease continues to spread to other states,” the Red Cross said in an article published on its website on Thursday.
Marial Mayom, writing for the South Sudan Red Cross noted, “Most new cases are being reported in Torit, Eastern Equatoria, 150 kilometres east of Juba and close to South Sudan’s border with Uganda.”
Patients are receiving oral rehydration treatment at four locations. Severe cases are referred to cholera treatment centers.
But the UN coordination office says the cholera outbreak is hard to control. In an update on Friday the UN said, “Early detection and prevention of new cases in Eastern Equatoria State remains a challenge because many communities are distant from health units and social mobilization activities.”
The South Sudan Red Cross says its has trained 45 volunteers in Torit to spread health messages and to distribute oral rehydration salts, purification tablets and soap. They are also showing videos in public places to educate people on how to they can protect themselves from cholera.
‘My children died’
Marchelina Mercy says that her sons Alex and Joseph died from cholera both within a week. She got infected while looking after them.
“My children died because of this disease and there’s no reason for me to live. I don’t want to go to the hospital; let me die like my children,” said Mercy.
Volunteers from the South Sudan Red Cross were trying to refer her to a cholera treatment centre.
Philip Marchelo, the South Sudan Red Cross branch director in Eastern Equatoria said, “I am appealing to the partners to support us particularly during the ongoing operation to curb the cholera outbreak in the state.’’
Photo: A map published by the UN on 8 July shows cholera cases by county
Related:
Map: Cholera cases in South Sudan by county (9 July)
Photos: Cholera treatment in South Sudan (19 May)