Cholera Outbreak in Southern Sudan: 58 Lives Lost as Cases Surge Rapidly

A cholera outbreak in southern Sudan has resulted in 1,351 cases and 58 deaths, primarily due to contaminated drinking water. The Sudanese Health Ministry has highlighted rapid transmission in Kosti city. Government interventions have included restoring water services and launching vaccination campaigns. Overall, Sudan has reported over 53,735 cholera cases and 1,430 fatalities since August amid civil unrest.

The Sudanese Health Ministry has reported concerning figures regarding a cholera outbreak in southern Sudan. To date, a total of 1,351 cholera cases have been documented, leading to 58 fatalities. The outbreak has predominantly affected Kosti city in the White Nile State, spreading rapidly over the past three days.

The primary factor contributing to this outbreak is contaminated drinking water, exacerbated by the shutdown of the main water station in Kosti. This shutdown occurred after the Rapid Support Forces militia targeted the nearby Um Dabakir electricity station in White Nile State, further complicating the situation.

In response to the outbreak, the Ministry acknowledged that governmental interventions have been crucial in curbing the rapid increase in cases. Key measures include reactivating the main water station in Kosti, launching a cholera vaccination campaign, increasing the supply of intravenous fluids, and enhancing the capacity of the isolation center.

The Sudan Doctors Network reported a sharp rise in cases, indicating that 1,197 cholera infections and 83 deaths were recorded in White Nile State within just the last two days. As of now, the overall number of cases in Sudan has reached 53,735, with 1,430 deaths since the outbreak commenced in August.

This public health crisis is occurring amid ongoing civil conflict in Sudan between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, which has persisted since April 2023. This conflict has resulted in numerous fatalities and widespread displacement of the civilian population.

The cholera outbreak in southern Sudan has reached alarming levels, with over 1,351 cases and 58 deaths reported, primarily stemming from contaminated water sources. In light of this crisis, the Sudanese government has implemented several urgent measures to mitigate the outbreak’s impact. Despite these efforts, the situation remains critical, especially against the backdrop of ongoing civil conflict that complicates humanitarian responses.

Original Source: news.az