Cholera Outbreak Declared in South Sudan

The Republic of South Sudan Ministry of Health recently announced that the cholera outbreak had been declared in Rubkona county, Unity State. Issued on May 7, 2022, the declaration follows the confirmation of cholera in eight cases following tests by the National Public Health Laboratory in Juba.

To date, 31 cases, including one related fatality, have been reported from Rubkona town and Bentiu IDP camp.

The cholera risk is typically high during South Sudan's rainy season, which starts from May to October. The country has also experienced devastating floods in the last couple of years.

The Public is further urged to be vigilant and report all suspected cholera cases to the national outbreak hotline 6666 or the nearest health facility.

With support from its partners, the Government recently conducted two rounds of oral cholera vaccination in Rubkona county in January and March 2022.

The U.S. CDC says anyone planning to visit regions with active cholera transmission should discuss getting vaccinated at least one month before travel.

The Vaxchora oral vaccine is U.S. FDA authorized for adults traveling to cholera-affected areas.

Previously, the CDC recently issued Travel Notices for COVID-19 and polio outbreaks in South Sudan, which borders Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Travel vaccination counseling sessions can be requested at this weblink.

Note: The South Sudan news was manually curated for mobile readers.