South Sudan cholera outbreak spreads, nears 1500 cases
The crisis in South Sudan progressively gets worse as the security situation gets worse in parts of Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile states. Clashes, sporadic shootings and fighting ongoing, some humanitarian workers are forced to relocate, leaving behind countless people in need of help.
South Sudan
Image/CIA
One of several major crises being tackled in South Sudan is the cholera outbreak, which grows and spreads by the day. A South Sudan Crisis Situation Report issued 6 June 2014 shows as of 4 June, 1,306 suspected cases of cholera had been reported including 29 related deaths, with the outbreak spreading outside Juba to Yei and Kajo Keji in Central Equatoria State.
That number has increased to nearly 1,500 cases according to a Xinhua report today. The report notes, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters today that the total cholera cases has increased to 1, 459 cholera cases, including 31 deaths in South Sudan. The case fatality rate remained above the emergency threshold at 2.2 per cent (the emergency threshold is 1 per cent).
UNICEF has helped establish a Cholera Treatment Center (CTC) at the Juba Teaching Hospital, which provides life-saving supplies, medicines and protective gear and equipment in a attempt to halt the spread of cholera. However, the UN agency is hurting for funds and requires another $10 million to continue current life-saving operations and increase its cholera prevention work. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page
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