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Cholera outbreak kills 11 in S. Sudan

Xinhua, July 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

South Sudan's health ministry said on Monday that at least 11 people have been killed from cholera outbreak in the country.

Makur Koryom, the undersecretary in the ministry of health, told journalists in Juba that there are more than 100 cholera cases which have been reported as a result of recent renewed fighting.

"Most of these cases are among the men in uniform and their families. This was due to heavy resumption of fighting that contaminated the atmosphere that has exposed health risks to the people," Koryom said.

Last week officials from the ministry of health and other health partners reported outbreak of acute watery diarrhea which equate to cholera symptoms.

The official said about 114 reported cases of cholera symptoms were already suspected with deaths all from Juba, Terekeka and Duk County in far north of Jonglei state.

"In Juba the hotspot areas include Gieda military barrack, Korwiliam and check point as well as Tong ping quarters near united nations mission in South Sudan protection of civilian site," he said.

John Rumunu, the Director General for Preventive Health in the National Ministry of Health advised the general public to observe personal hygiene as primary preventive measures to contain the acute diarrhea disease.

Rumunu advised the public to ensure that they drink clean and chlorinated water or wash hands before and after visiting latrine.

He advised the public to avoid open defecation and make good use of latrine in order to contain the outbreak within the short spell.

"I want to inform our public that as soon as someone experience symptoms pertaining to suspected cholera like diarrhea and vomiting, please, go to the nearest health facility or visit Juba teaching hospital because any delay may cost life," Rumunu said.

Magda Armah, Health cluster coordinator working for the World Health Organization (WHO) said they have also got cases in certain islands that are cut off like in Duk Island of Jonglei state.

"WHO with its strength on surveillance and coordination will bring the cluster partners together to ensure that the vision that is presented in the guideline and the operation plan is recognized," she said. Endit