SOUTH SUDAN - Increased cholera casualties in Juba county

Posted: 06/07/2015

If any of RPS travellers are going to South Sudan, they may wish to get in touch about the recent Cholera outbreak, so we can advise and assist you in your travel planning. Please contact us on [email protected]

A cholera outbreak in South Sudan continues unabated as of 6 July. At least 484 cases, including 29 deaths, were reported by authorities on 3 July. All the cases reported have been in Juba county, in the Central Equatoria state.

Authorities declared a cholera outbreak in Juba county on 23 June. Several cholera treatment facilities have been established in order to address the outbreak. Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal intestinal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium.

Symptoms of the disease include watery diarrhoea and vomiting, which occur from six hours to five days after exposure to the bacterium.

Prevention

Although the disease can effectively be treated, practising good hygiene and consuming only properly purified water will significantly mitigate the chances of infection. Anyone currently in or intending to travel to Juba county should take precautions against contracting cholera, including using only bottled water and avoiding food and beverages sold by street vendors.

In addition, RPS clients are advised to monitor local developments and follow the directives of the authorities regarding public health advice and precautions. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns in South Sudan, it is recommended that advice is sought prior to travel.

Contact us on [email protected] for travel advice, training and assistance for all travel to Africa. 

Photo: With kind thanks to viewpointnigeria.com

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