South Sudan faces kala azar outbreak – MSF
November 6, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – Southern Sudan is facing a serious outbreak of kala azar, said today the medical aid group, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).
Kala azar is a tropical disease, endemic in some parts of Southern Sudan. The disease is contracted by the bite of a sandfly carrying the kala azar parasite, which multiplies inside the body, attacking the immune system.
“We suspect that the number of kala azar patients reaching clinics in some areas is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Dr. David Kidinda, MSF Medical Coordinator in southern Sudan in a statement released today.
At least 382 cases have been recorded in Upper Nile and Jonglei states in Southern Sudan since October. Two people were killed by the disease.
According to the international medical NGO, Jonglei is the most affected area with 275 cases in the Old Fangak clinic in northwest of the state. In Pibor where 24 patients were admitted at the MSF center two died from the disease. The group also recorded 46 kala azar patients at its clinic in Lankien.
Following reports about 66 kala azar cases under treatment in Malakal the capital of Upper Nile state, MSF team deployed in the area said 37 patients are now undergoing treatment.
Due to insecurity and lack of roads the patients made their way to MSF’s outreach health post in Lekwongole, then they are transported by the NGO to Pibor by boat, as roads have become rivers.
Patients make their way to MSF’s outreach health post in Lekwongole, as MSF teams are currently unable to access these villages due to insecurity and road inaccessibility.
(ST)
Mr Famous Big_Logic_Boy
South Sudan faces kala azar outbreak – MSF
What is Kala azar? i never heard of this disease in my life. Now GOSS must act, my boys must block the road to Bor in order to aviod the dinas disease from entering into Equatoria, from their cholera now we are in summar and dinkas are brining another sickness. Dinkas deserve to be isolated from other community because they are breeding gorund of germs. Come on dinkas get yourselves personal hygienic. Learn from other how to keep yourselves clean.
JohnG
South Sudan faces kala azar outbreak – MSF
Two things!
#1 Harsh, inter-tribal words/accusations/provocations etc, come from those who want the upcoming vote for South Sudanese Independence to FAIL. Now is the time for the building of “brotherhood”. Be ever watchful for the “agents provocateur” who’s job it is to divide and thereby conquer!
#2 Dr. Jill Seaman (if you are from Old Fangak you already know this) has been treating Kala-Azar for years, without the help of MSF. She uses her own money and donations. Please see her Website at:
http://www.sudanmedicalrelief.org/