Sudan reports new cholera cases, outbreak spreads to 8 states

September 12, 2024 (KASSALA) – Sudan’s health ministry on Thursday reported 194 new cholera cases, including two deaths, bringing the total number of infections to 7,296 with 252 fatalities since the outbreak began last month.

The ministry said the epidemic has now spread to eight states, including Kassala, River Nile, Northern, and Khartoum.

The outbreak coincides with heavy rains and floods that have swept across Sudan, raising concerns that stagnant water could become a breeding ground for disease vectors.

The health ministry said it carried out various activities to combat cholera in the affected states and that support teams would be deployed to River Nile, Northern and Gedaref states.

The health ministry in Northern state reported 44 confirmed cases and three deaths on Thursday.

Medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said it was supporting the health ministry’s response in Khartoum, River Nile, Kassala, and Gedaref states by setting up and running treatment centres and supporting existing facilities.

The cholera outbreak is adding to the strain on Sudan’s health system, which is already struggling to cope with other epidemics such as dengue fever, malaria, and conjunctivitis, as well as treating war wounded and combating child malnutrition.

The ministry said some 80% of healthcare facilities have ceased operations due to the ongoing conflict.