Sudan: Cholera outbreak in Darfur camp

Event

As of Friday, September 1, local officials had confirmed five deaths due to cholera and reported 45 confirmed infections in a camp for internally displaced persons (IDP) in Bindisi, Central Darfur.

Context

Diarrheal diseases are common in Sudan, and in June 2017, the National Epidemiological Corporation declared a cholera epidemic in the country. At least 820 people have died as a result of the disease, out of a total of 23,776 cases, since the beginning of May 2017.

Cholera is an infectious disease caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria that can induce acute diarrhea and vomiting, and subsequent dehydration. The risk of death is greatest among people with low immunity, such as malnourished children or those living with HIV. However, even among healthy adults, cholera can be fatal within a matter of hours.

Advice

To reduce the risk of contracting cholera, wash hands regularly, drink only bottled or purified water, and avoid eating raw or undercooked foods. Individuals who believe they may have contracted cholera should seek immediate medical attention.

On a separate note, many Western governments advise against nonessential travel to Sudan and against all travel to certain regions, including the five Darfur states, South Kordofan, Blue Nile, certain areas of North Kordofan, the Djebel Ouanat region, Dinder National Park, and Sennar state. Due to a high risk of terrorist activity, always be on guard when visiting sites that are potential terrorist targets (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).