Sudan cholera deaths rise to 699, dengue cases surge

October 15, 2024 (KASSALA) – Sudan’s cholera outbreak has claimed 699 lives as of Monday, the health ministry said on Tuesday, while cases of dengue fever have surged to over 2,000 with nine fatalities.

The cholera outbreak declared on August 12, has spread across 74 localities in 11 states, with 82 new infections and one death reported on Monday alone. The cumulative number of cholera cases now stands at 24,604.

Heavy rains and flooding have exacerbated the spread of both diseases, creating breeding grounds for disease vectors and overwhelming sanitation systems. The ongoing conflict has further crippled healthcare services, hindering efforts to contain the outbreaks.

Dengue fever cases have also spiked, with 95 new infections and four deaths reported, totalling 2,024 cases and nine deaths across five states.

While cholera interventions have progressed in some states, including Kassala, Khartoum, and River Nile, infections are rising in others, such as Al Jazirah, Sennar, and White Nile.

Sudan received 1.4 million cholera vaccine doses on October 5, aiming to inoculate over a million people in high-risk areas.