Hon. Deng Dau Deng, Member of Parliament for Twic East, Jonglei State | Photo: MFA&IC/ File

A lawmaker from Twic East in Jonglei State has raised concerns about the growing number of suspected cholera cases and related deaths among fishermen in the area, which have been reported over the past two weeks.

Deng Dau Deng told Eye Radio on Friday, December 20, that the first case of suspected cholera was detected among fishermen on December 7th.

Since then, the outbreak has spread, infecting about 80 people by December 20th, with seven fatalities. The symptoms, according to Deng, include severe diarrhoea.

He attributes the outbreak to overcrowding among fishermen on higher ground and poor sanitation practices in the area.

“The matter started and from where they are staying, you can use a canoe if not a speed boat, it can take you up to 9 hours. So, if somebody was caught by this outbreak which is normally the diarrhoea, you would be dehydrated,” Deng said.

“There are so many cases, people have died, but the reported cases so far are 82 of which seven have died,” he said.

“We have talked to the national Ministry of Health, the Minister herself. I have also reached the Minister of Health and the governor of Jonglei and all of them have acknowledged and they are also making all the efforts.”