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UN steps up efforts to prevent cholera outbreak in South Sudan

Xinhua, July 21, 2016 Adjust font size:

The UN children's fund, UNICEF said it has increased its response efforts amid a rise in the number of suspected cases of cholera in South Sudan which has left more than 10 people dead.

UNICEF's Representative in South Sudan Mahimbo Mdoe said the UN agency has teamed up with the ministry of health and partner agencies in providing medical supplies, sanitation services and community awareness.

"A fast and coordinated response is key to preventing a cholera outbreak. That's underway, despite the fact that life in Juba was completely brought to a standstill for days by the recent violence and many humanitarian organizations have since evacuated staff," Mdoe said in a statement issued Thursday in Juba.

The Juba Teaching Hospital reported 69 new suspected cases were admitted on Wednesday, bringing the total number of people being treated in the capital to 112.

An additional 29 suspected cases had been reported in Duk Island in Jonglei state. Nationwide, there are now 141 suspected cholera cases with six reported deaths.

UNICEF and partners are providing medicines, intravenous drips and other items used to treat the illness.

According to health authorities, more than 40 people died in South Sudan in a cholera outbreak in 2015, and 167 died from the disease in 2014.

Cholera is a gastrointestinal disease, usually spread by contaminated water and food, and can cause severe diarrhea which, in extreme cases, can lead to fatal dehydration and kidney failure within hours.

UNICEF said it has erected three triage tents to serve as additional wards should the number of cases continue to increase.

"Chlorine has been provided for use in the handwashing stations put in place in the isolation unit. Elsewhere in Juba, five oral rehydration points have been established where people who feel ill can receive rehydration solutions and be referred to a clinic," UNICEF said.

Cases of the cholera across the country remain unconfirmed due to a critical lack of the laboratory equipment needed to obtain a diagnosis, which humanitarian organizations are working to address.

UNICEF said community mobilizers are working to prevent further infections by educating the public on measures they can take to keep themselves safe, such as only drinking safe water and eating cooked food. Endit