The National Ministry of Health declared a Cholera outbreak in Renk County, Upper Nile State, on Monday after six cases were confirmed in the area.

 The Minister, Yolanda Awel Deng, announced the outbreak on Monday at a press conference in Juba.

The outbreak was first suspected when reports of unusual illness emerged at the Wunthou Primary Health Care Center on October 8.

Awel emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The Ministry of Health is taking this outbreak very seriously, and we must act quickly to contain it.”

Since October 11, the Ministry has collected 33 samples of suspected Cholera cases in Renk County. Of these, six samples tested positive at the Public Health Laboratory. But no fatalities have been reported so far. According to the health minister, the affected individuals comprise 47 percent males and 53 percent females, with most cases occurring in people over the age of 15.

Cholera is a bacterial disease transmitted through contaminated water and food and can lead to severe dehydration and death if untreated. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that those in areas with unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation are at the highest risk. “We are dealing with a serious public health threat, and we need the community’s support to manage this situation effectively,” Awel said.

In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has activated an incident management system. This includes strengthening coordination with various sectors, enhancing surveillance, and improving case management.

“Our response plan is comprehensive and involves multiple partners to ensure we reach everyone affected,” Awel assured.

The ministry plans to establish Cholera Treatment Units (CTUs) to provide immediate care to those infected. Minister Awel stressed, “We are committed to providing the necessary resources and support to combat this outbreak.”

Additionally, the ministry will continue to collect more samples for further testing and has developed an immediate cholera response plan. This plan includes mobilizing resources and implementing interventions to contain the outbreak effectively.

To combat the spread of cholera, the Ministry of Health has issued crucial advice to the public. “We urge everyone to drink only boiled or treated water. It is vital for your health,” Awel advised. She also emphasized on the importance of hygiene practices. “Always wash your hands with soap and clean water before cooking and handling food, after using the toilet, and after caring for someone with cholera.”

In addition to personal hygiene, the health minister encouraged citizens to maintain clean environments. “Keep your homes and public areas clean. Proper disposal of waste is essential in preventing cholera,” she said.

The government is calling on local communities to play an active role in preventing the spread of cholera. Community leaders are being urged to disseminate information and educate the public about the dangers of cholera and the importance of hygiene. Community engagement is critical. “We cannot tackle this issue without the support of every citizen,” Awel highlighted.

Health officials are also coordinating with local organizations and international partners to ensure that resources reach those in need quickly. “We need to ensure that treatment is accessible to everyone, especially in the affected areas,” the minister reiterated.

As the cholera outbreak in Renk County unfolds, the National Ministry of Health is working diligently to contain it while urging the public to take preventive measures seriously. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the outbreak’s trajectory.

“Together, we can overcome this challenge. But it requires everyone’s cooperation and commitment to health and hygiene.”

“Keep your homes and public areas clean. Proper disposal of waste is essential in preventing cholera,” Yolanda Awel Deng, South Sudan National Minister of Health.