18 Dec 2024 | 07:01 AM UTC
South Sudan: Elevated cholera activity reported in multiple areas in December
Elevated cholera activity reported in multiple areas in South Sudan in December. Use food and water precautions.
Health officials have reported elevated cholera activity in multiple areas in South Sudan, with a total of 6,000 cases and 60 deaths reported Oct. 28-Dec. 13. The disease is spreading rapidly across the country due to floods and poor sanitation, primarily affecting refugees and internally displaced persons. Affected areas include displacement camps in Juba, Rubkona County in Unity State, Aweil in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, and refugee camps in the northern part of the country, particularly in Renk. Sudan has received vaccines for Renk, but more supplies are needed for other affected areas as efforts to secure additional doses continue. This report represents the most up-to-date information as of Dec. 18.
Consult a travel medicine provider before departure regarding cholera vaccination. Practice strict food and water precautions. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop within a week of being in affected areas.
The risk of cholera transmission is high due to limited access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare, especially during the rainy season and subsequent floods. Fragile infrastructure and ongoing humanitarian crises worsen the situation. In previous years, there were roughly nine cases in 2021, 424 cases in 2022, and 1,471 cases in 2023.
Cholera is transmitted directly through food or water contaminated with fecal material from an infected person. Most infected people develop no symptoms or only mild diarrhea. However, approximately one in 10 infected people develop severe cholera, which causes symptoms including profuse, watery diarrhea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, restlessness, or irritability. Symptoms typically appear 2-3 days after exposure but can develop up to five days after exposure. Individuals with severe cholera can develop acute renal failure, severe electrolyte imbalances, and coma. If left untreated, these can lead to shock and rapid death.
