Cholera kills 16 in Sudan’s Upper Nile

March 7, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — The recent cholera outbreak in Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile State, and Khurfulus shows little signs of abating as new cases continue to be admitted everyday.

According to the UN News bulletin, eight people died in both the towns respectively taking the toll to sixteen. Over 160 people were affected by the disease in Khurfulus and 130 in Malakal.

While earlier, most cholera cases were coming from the south of Malakal now the trend is more from the north. One case was also reported from as far as Shuluk ringing alarm bells about the imminent spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, the cholera task force is being chaired directly by the State Minister of Health who is keeping a close watch on the situation.

The MoH has also started airing messages through the local Radio in Malakal to raise the awareness among the people. A leading cause for concern remains the consumption of contaminated water from the Nile.

(UNMIS Bulletin)