Juba has witnessed an increase in the number of suspected cholera cases, the Ministry of Health said in an urgent statement.
Cholera is an infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with a bacterium. It has a short incubation period, from less than one day to five days. Symptoms include dehydration, vomiting, and watery diarrhea.
“Over the last two days, there has been a new cluster upsurge of suspect cases reaching a cumulative of 30 cases admitted in Juba Teaching Hospital and one death on 16th July 2016. All suspected cases were investigated and 13 tested positive” and are pending confirmaton, the ministry said in a statement.
Patients who have these conditions should report to the nearest health facility, or Juba Teaching Hospital. To avoid spread of the disease, proper hand sanitation and use of chlorinated water is advised. Suspected cases should also be reported to the Ministry of Health hotline by dialing 1144.
“The Ministry of Health reassures the public that the reported cases are under intensive case management and investigation at the Juba Teaching Hospital and there should be no anxiety in the community.”