Cholera patients being treated at MSF-run hospital in Malakal in Upper Nile State. (Photo: MSF).

Ruweng Administrative Area’s Minister of Health said on Thursday that suspected Cholera cases have risen to 21 with one related death.

Elizabeth Achol said Panriang Civil Hospital was the third area to register cases of the deadly waterborne disease rapidly spreading across South Sudan.

The highest share of the infections of 9,000 was recorded in Unity and Jonglei states respectively since the outbreak in October 2024.

Minister Achol said among the 21 suspected cases in Ruweng, one has died, four have recovered, and sixteen tested negative, while one is under medical care.

“Early on 2nd of this month, 2025, cholera case was registered in Panriang Civil Hospital, followed by now we have registered 20 cases plus one new positive case yesterday [Wednesday],” she said in an interview with Eye Radio.

“That means they are all 21 cases in which one passed away. The positive cases were four, and they were under treatment and they have recovered. 16 were negative cases, yesterday we had one new case that is a female, 20-year-old and she is now under the care.”

On December 2024, South Sudan received 1.1 million doses of oral cholera vaccine donated by the global alliance for vaccine and immunization, or (GAVI).

However, Ruweng Health Minister said her region has not yet received the vaccines.

The National Ministry of Health disclosed last week it registered a nationwide cumulative total of more than 17,000 and suspected cases of cholera and related 237 deaths.

According to the World Health Organization, Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

It is a global public health threat and indicates inequity and lack of social and economic development.

WHO adds access to safe water, basic sanitation and hygiene is essential to prevent cholera and other waterborne diseases.