Health authorities in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria have confirmed that four people have died from cholera in the state capital, Torit.
Officials said one person died at Torit State Hospital, while three others died in Lowoi Payam.
Dr. Mustaffa Lokuru, medical director of Torit State Hospital, told Radio Tamazuj Thursday that about 107 cases had been reported since last Friday, with the number rising daily.
Despite the surge, the hospital has discharged nine patients. Lokuru cited human resource challenges in responding to the outbreak.
“The situation is alarming, and human resources are a challenge. You know cholera is contagious, and people are scared. Most of the volunteers and trainees were avoiding the hospital,” Lokuru said.
“Unfortunately, we lost one person at Torit State Hospital, and there was a report from Lowoi South where three children were confirmed dead before yesterday,” he added.
Torit County Health Director Oboi Joseph Odou confirmed that cases had been reported in multiple payams, excluding Hiyalla, Imurok and Iyire.
“I receive reports from all corners of the payams. The first case was from Himodonge, Nyong Payam, where cases have become rampant. When I went there last evening, the data showed 81 cases. Then today, I received a call from Ifwotu Payam and Bur Mutaram about cases reported yesterday,” he said.
“We urge the community to take preventive measures. Everyone must wash their hands regularly with soap or ashes, avoid eating leftover food, cover all cooking utensils, and minimize movement between villages,” he added.
Dr. Amin Gordiano O. Tafeng, the state’s primary healthcare and medical services director, said cholera cases were emerging from various areas, emphasizing the need for public health measures.
“All these cases are coming from outside payams. Three people have died—one at the hospital and the others in the community,” he said.
Tafeng said the health ministry, with support from partners, was working to curb the spread.