Health authorities in Eastern Equatoria State declared a cholera outbreak Friday in North, South, and East Kapoeta counties, warning of possible further spread.
Acting State Health Minister Margret Idwa Okuyye confirmed the outbreak at a press conference in Torit, urging residents to maintain proper hygiene to curb transmission.
She said tests at South Sudan’s national public health laboratory in Juba identified the presence of Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria that causes cholera.
“Following an increase in acute watery diarrhea cases and subsequent lab confirmation, the Ministry of Health officially declares a cholera outbreak in Greater Kapoeta,” Okuyye said. “As of April 16, 2025, 650 suspected cases and 58 deaths have been reported.”
She noted that the outbreak meets both national and World Health Organization thresholds for declaration.
In response, the state health ministry and partners have activated an emergency task force, mobilized medical supplies, and deployed health workers to the affected areas.
Okuyye urged communities to take preventive measures, including boiling drinking water, frequent handwashing, using latrines, avoiding raw food, and reporting suspected cases promptly.
Dr. Kherbino Awat, director of Kapoeta Civil Hospital, said some deaths occurred due to delayed medical referrals. After a brief improvement, cases surged again Friday, he said.
Awat warned against keeping suspected cholera patients at home, stressing the need for immediate medical care.