Map of Jonglei State and Pibor Administrative Area. (Credit: Wikipedia).

The national Ministry of Health has declared an outbreak of Hepatitis E in Jonglei State and the greater Pibor Administrative Area with at least 12 people dead from the viral disease.

Health Ministry Undersecretary Dr. Ader Macar said in a press release, that the ministry was tipped by the World Relief organization on September 25, about an increase in cases of Hepatitis E infections.

Following the report, it says, the medical charity, Medicines Sant Frontiers (MSF) collected 13 blood samples and submitted them to the National Public Health Laboratory for testing.

Three of the blood samples tested positive, accounting for a 23.1 % positivity rate for the disease infection.

One sample from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area also tested positive for the viral disease accounting for a 100% positivity rate.

The statement further said, as of September 18, 2023, the cumulative total of 63 cases with symptoms and signs consistent with Hepatitis disease and 12 deaths representing 19% of the cases were reported from Fangak.

Out of the deaths, 8 were recorded among women of reproductive age group, with a median age of 24.5 years.

Hepatitis E is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis E virus.

It is found in the stool of an infected person and is usually spread by the fecal-oral route with the most common source of g infection being contaminated drinking water.

Typical signs and symptoms of hepatitis include an initial phase of mild fever, reduced appetite nausea, and vomiting lasting for a few days; abdominal pain, itching, skin rash, or joint pain; yellow color of the skin, dark urine, and pale stools; and a slightly enlarged, tender liver.

The ministry said it has deployed a multi-disciplinary Rapid Response Team to conduct further epidemiological investigation and collect and ship additional samples to the National Public Health Laboratory for testing.

Meanwhile, the ministry is encouraging the communities to observe public health measures including drinking and using treated, washing their hands with safe water and soap after using the toilet/latrines, and using latrines to defecate and cook food well among others.