Cholera cases surge in Sudan’s River Nile State

September 1, 2024 (ATBARA) – Cholera cases in Sudan’s River Nile state have risen to 409, including 14 deaths, health authorities said on Sunday, highlighting the growing health crisis amid the country’s ongoing conflict.

The state reported 87 new infections and three deaths on Sunday alone, with 217 people currently hospitalized in isolation centres.

The Berber locality has seen a spike in cases, surpassing the city of Atbara, which previously had the highest number of infections.

Separately, an East Nile emergency response team member reported 724 cases of watery diarrhoea, including four confirmed cholera cases, in the region between August 16 and 27.

Heavy rains and flooding often exacerbate the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera, particularly in conflict zones where healthcare facilities are disrupted.

“Al-Ban Jadid Hospital received 181 cases of watery diarrhoea, while Abu Delig Hospital recorded 60 cases, including one confirmed case of cholera,” the emergency team member told Sudan Tribune.

The Suba Centre reported 253 cases, with three confirmed cholera cases, and the Al-Hudaiba Center reported 230 cases.

Various factors, including dysentery, parasites, food poisoning, and intestinal infections, contribute to the prevalence of watery diarrhoea, the official added.