CHOLERA – SOUTH SUDAN (03): (EASTERN EQUATORIA, LAKES) SURGE, FATAL
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In this post:
[1] Eastern Equatoria State
[2] Lakes State
[1] Eastern Equatoria State
Date: Mon 3 Feb 2025
Source: Radio Tamazuj [edited] https://www.radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/3-dead-as-cholera-wreaks-havoc-in-ikotos-county
At least 3 people have been confirmed dead and 20 others were in
critical condition from a suspected cholera outbreak in Logire Village
of Ikotos County in Eastern Equatoria State. Health officials said the
3 died on 31 Jan and 1 Feb [2025]. The 16 patients in critical
conditions were at the Ikotos Primary Health Care Center, while 4
others were at a case management center in Logire Village.
The suspected cholera outbreak, the officials explained, was reported
on 29 Jan [2025] in Logire Village in Imotong Payam.
The highly infectious disease inflicts the small intestines with
strains of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Symptoms may range from
none, to mild, to severe. The classic symptom is a large amount of
watery diarrhea, lasting a few days and vomiting. Muscle convulsions
may also occur.
Ikotos County Health authorities said a surveillance team was on the
ground to assess the situation.
The Ikwoto Primary Health Care Center In-charge, Karlo Lodai, told
Radio Tamazuj that the dead and the patients had faced severe
dehydration and watery diarrhea. He said the samples from the
suspected casualties were sent to Torit for further examinations.
Ikwoto County Health Surveillance Officer Mathew Lobuo confirmed the
suspected outbreak, saying surveillance response team were offering
health education in the area. He, however, said the admitted patients’
conditions were improving, stressing on the locals to consider
preventive measures.
“We started giving health education and we are doing mobilization,
especially on the preventive measures, so that people should not
gather, and they should not drink unsafe water,” he explained.
Ikotos County Paramount Chief Joseph Odongi said the residents lived
in fear of further spread, calling for government and health partners
to deliver medicines. Odongi expressed fear that the outbreak may
spread if not urgently controlled.
“The people can only be safe through the delivery of medicines, and we
need the government to intervene before it spreads. The locals are now
living in fear because this disease is dangerous,” he said.
The Ikotos County Health Department has established a case management
center to provide education and counselling to the local community.
Eastern Equatoria State Ministry of Health authorities were not
available for comment.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by the consumption of
the bacterium Vibrio cholerae in contaminated food or water. The
bacterial disease, which is often distinguishable by clinical
presentation like severe vomiting and rice water-like diarrhea, can be
fatal within hours if left untreated. There is no specific cholera
treatment. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS), intravenous fluids, and
antibiotics are highly recommended for the infected. To contain the
spread, it is advisable that adequate sanitation, including measures
like drinking of clean treated water, avoidance of open defecation,
and covering all food before serving, be observed.