Sudan cholera outbreak surges to nearly 14,000 cases, malaria on the rise

September 24, 2024 (KASSALA) – Sudan’s cholera outbreak has surged to nearly 14,000 cases, with a rise in malaria infections also reported, particularly in the capital, Khartoum, the health ministry said on Tuesday.

The cholera epidemic began on Aug. 12 following devastating floods and heavy rains. Stagnant water has raised concerns about a breeding ground for disease vectors.

The health ministry’s emergency operations centre said 282 new cholera cases were recorded, including 95 in Kassala, 72 in River Nile state, 57 in Gedaref, 19 in the Red Sea state, and 11 in Sennar.

Six new cholera-related deaths were reported, with four in Kassala and one each in River Nile and Sennar.

The total cumulative number of cholera cases in the country rose to 13,922, including 433 deaths.

Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim directed intensified efforts to combat cholera in affected states.

The emergency operations centre also revealed a rise in malaria cases over the past three weeks, especially in Khartoum.

It also reported that the cumulative number of dengue fever cases reached 314, with 12 new cases recorded in eight localities across four states.

Sudan’s health system, with 80% of its facilities out of service in active conflict zones and 45% in other areas, faces numerous epidemics, primarily cholera and dengue fever, in addition to war injuries.

The health ministry in River Nile state, northern Sudan, announced 121 new cholera cases, bringing the total number of infections to 3,811, including 91 deaths.

The Northern state reported an increase in cholera cases to 462, including 19 deaths, with most cases concentrated in the locality of Al-Dabbah.

On Monday, local authorities in Al-Dabbah decided to suspend schools and close markets and food outlets to curb the further spread of the epidemic.