South Sudan: 1,700 cholera cases in Juba, 37 deaths
June 16, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudan ministry of health and agencies reported Monday that nearly people 37 died and 17,000 others are treated of cholera since the disease was confirmed on May 16th.
Lul Riek, the director general ministry of health and head of the government emergency respond committee, told reporters that the cases are mainly from Juba’s suburbs.
“The five most affected areas include Gumbo (98 cases), Thongpiny (40 cases), Gudele one (38), Gurei (27) and Newsite (31 cases),” said Riek, in the presence of officials from the ministry of water resources, World Health Organization, UNICEF and other local and international groups assisting the government to respond to the outbreak.
The first the cases of cholera were confirmed in Juba in mid-May. Suspected cases of the water born disease have also reported in Malakal, Upper Nile state and Jonglei. But official say there is no confirmation yet.
At least six treatment sites have being set up in Juba to control the spread of the deadly viral disease. Health officials claim that steps are being taken to control new cases of cholera.
Peter Mahal Dhieu, the director water at the ministry of water resources say water fetched directly from Nile River and delivered to home for consumption is now being first treated.
“The government has already made efforts through (Juba) City Council to treat water (from the Nile River) using coronation,” said Dhieu.
Asked why the ministry of water has failed to construct water pipelines even in the national capital Juba, the director cited logistical constraints and suggested that “master plan” is under way.
More, for the first time health officials admitted that there are suspected cases of cholera in Nimule, Yei, Torit, Kajo-Keji and Lianya. The samples are transferred to Juba for confirmation.
(ST)