Kala-zar outbreak kills more than 40 people in Jonglei state

August 7, 2010 (BOR) – Officials in Jonglei state have reported an outbreak of the deadly Kalazar disease in the area. The disease which struck this week has already left 48 people dead and more than 130 people hospitalized, with the fear that the death toll could get higher.

According to the minister for law enforcement in the state, Gabriel Duop Lam, the victims were having difficulty accessing areas where they could receive medical treatment.

Mr. Duop who returned from Ayod town on Thursday added that many patients are locked up in villages due to lack of transport and heavy flooding in the area, thus making it difficult for them to access health units.

“In Ayod, 48 people died and 138 people are admitted,” Duop said, adding that it was not possible to evaluate fatalities in areas inaccessible by road from Ayod County center.

Fangak and Pigi Counties have also reported kalazar cases according to Radenta Ayen, Jonglei state minister of Health, who described the development in Ayod as “the worse.”

Ayen said health facilities will be sent to the area immediately. She swiftly called for international humanitarian organization for assistance. Kala-zar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, is common in northern Counties of Jonglei state.

ST