Map of Warrap State. (Courtesy)

Despite zero case, Warrap State government said it is ramping up response and preventive measures over potential risk of the cholera outbreak rattling neighboring Unity and Northern Bahr El Ghazal.

First declared as an outbreak in October, the outbreak has worsened in displacement camps in Bentiu and Rubkona of Unity – resulting in more than 6,000 suspected cases and approximately 125 related fatalities.

Warrap Information Minister William Wol Mayom said although they have not registered any suspected case of cholera, the state government is on high alert over the outbreak.

Mayom said the state has been widely submerged by flooding, raising fear of the situation heightening transmission.

He revealed that the state ministry of health has been tasked to initiate awareness campaign and improve hygiene and sanitation.

“We’re very vigilant on this and the minister of health brought it up to the cabinet, and he has been directed to try to create awareness through the hygiene and sanitation department in all the counties on proper hygiene and sanitation.”

“Other issues to be taught include the causes of the cholera. Warrap is vigilant. Up to this time, we did not receive any symptom or case of cholera. Up to now we are very vigilant but there is no any reported case of cholera.”

Cholera is a deadly disease transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, leaving patients with severe acute watery diarrhea and it can kill within hours if left untreated, according to WHO.

Most people infected with V. cholerae do not develop any symptoms, although the bacteria are present in their feaces for 1–10 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people.

Among people who develop symptoms, the majority have mild or moderate symptoms and a minority of patients develop acute watery diarrhea with severe dehydration.