Medics treating cholera patients in the open [Photo Courtesy: WaterStep/John Dau Foundation]

The Health Authority in Lakes State, South Sudan, has confirmed that the cholera outbreak in the state has so far claimed 12 lives, as the number of suspected cases reaches 253. Of these, 33 have been confirmed, and 147 people remain ill, according to Nelson Makoi Makur, the State Acting Minister of Health.

Yirol East County is the worst affected, recording 10 deaths, while Yirol West and Awerial counties have each reported one fatality. Makor briefed the state governor on the situation and called on health partners and humanitarian agencies to urgently scale up their response to contain the spread of the disease.

“We came to brief the Governor of Lakes State about the outbreak of cholera, which he has now declared a full outbreak. We have about 253 cumulative cases, 33 confirmed, and 147 currently sick. Total deaths count is 12: 10 in Yirol East, 1 in Yirol West, and 1 in Awerial. We call upon our health partners to come and intervene,” Makoi said.

The Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Maker Malung, stated that response efforts are underway in coordination with partners. He noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) is leading emergency response efforts, providing IV fluids and cholera treatment kits.

“We have an intervention in three areas. WHO, which is our lead in emergency response and preparedness, supports us with IV fluids and cholera kits. Samples were taken to Juba and confirmed, indicating ongoing transmission. Our risk communication teams are working to reduce transmission,” Dr. Malung said.

Health officials are urging residents to practice safe water use, maintain proper sanitation, and observe hygiene measures as efforts continue to bring the outbreak under control.