According to the World Health Organization, there were 3,793 cases of acute watery diarrhoea in Southern Sudan between 28 January and 21 February. 77 of those patients died (2.03% fatality rate).
According to confirmed stool sample tests carried out in Nairobi (Kenya) by the African Medical and Research Foundation, the patients were infected with Vibrio Cholera Inaba.
All cases were found in two towns – Yei and Juba. Experts expect the number of new cases to fall off in Yei and to rise in Juba.
The World Health Organization is helping southern Sudan’s Ministry of Health coordinate the public health response.
Control measures include:
— Strengthening the surveillance and reporting system
— Standardizing case management
— Promoting health education and hygiene
— Chlorination of public water supplies.
Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today