South Sudan: Cholera Outbreak - Oct 2024

The Ministry of Health has declared a cholera outbreak today in Renk, Upper Nile State. This declaration comes after reports of 44 suspected cholera cases, and six laboratory-confirmed cases on 23 October 2024 in Renk, Upper Nile State. As of 27 October 2024, 49 cholera cases have been reported among refugees, returnees, and local communities. The first suspected case was reported on 28 September 2024 after the County Health Department received a report of a suspected case of cholera at the point of entry in Renk, a border town between Sudan and South Sudan. In response, the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization, and other partners are taking steps to manage the outbreak. In a press conference in Juba, Health Minister Honorable Yolanda Awel Deng assured citizens that the government is committed to stopping the spread of cholera in Renk, Upper Nile State. “The Ministry of Health is aware of the difficult conditions refugees and returnees face, such as overcrowding and poor water and sanitation, which can lead to outbreaks; however, the Ministry is working with health and water sanitation and hygiene cluster partners on the ground to ensure that the risk of the outbreak spreading is minimized,” said Hon. Deng. She also added that the Ministry of Health and WHO have taken steps to proper management of cases reported, ensuring that every-contact on the ground is followed. She urged the communities to practice good and safe behaviors, such as consistent hand washing, use of latrines, and proper food handling throughout the outbreak season. (WHO, 28 Oct 2024)

Eighty-two cumulative cases of cholera have been confirmed in the country as of 5 November. This includes one confirmed case in Juba Gorom IDP camp, of an individual having recently arrived from Sudan, via Renk transit area in Upper Nile state. The death of two children has also been reported in Renk, both having similar profile, undernourished under five years old children. The Health response is extending through surge response teams to increase detection and treatment, distribution of cholera kits and WHO request for vaccination (OCV). In parallel, the WASH actors are also mobilising their means for chlorination, disinfection and sensitisation of the population. (ECHO, 6 Nov 2024)