A health official in Unity State over the weekend confirmed 42 new cases of measles deaths among children aged 5-10, bringing the total death toll to 73 since July.
William Dhoal Ruei, the acting director general at the Unity State health ministry, said the latest deaths were recorded in all the counties of the state including Rubkona, Leer, Mayendit, Panyinjar, Mayom, Koch, Bentiu Hospital and the Bentiu IDPs camp.
The Bentiu camp also hosts some returnees and refugees who fled the conflict in neighboring Sudan.
“Measles death cases have rapidly increased due to congestion in the reception centers and in the internally displaced persons’ camp in Bentiu,” Dhoal said.
The Unity State health ministry initially confirmed 42 deaths and more than 1,200 admitted cases of measles in July alone.
Dhoal said they fear the worst due to the daily new arrivals of returnees and refugees from Sudan which adds to congestion which can make measles spread.
“As I am talking now, some death cases are not being reported to health facilities so we are encouraging mothers and caretakers to immediately report any suspected case of measles disease to the nearest health facility,” he said.
Tens of thousands of South Sudanese returnees and Sudanese refugees fled the Sudanese conflict to South Sudan across 12 border crossing points, according to the United Nations.
As the measles outbreak continues to claim lives in Unity State, urgent action is needed to contain its spread and provide necessary medical assistance to the affected children.