The outbreak, driven by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, has intensified concerns in the county, where poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, and ongoing humanitarian challenges exacerbate the spread of the disease.
Daniel Deng Deng, the acting Minister of Health for Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, confirmed that the number of fatalities has doubled to 13 in recent weeks, noting that a total of 177 cases have been recorded in Aweil South County alone, signalling a severe public health crisis.
To address the outbreak, Deng said the state government has procured critical medical supplies, including Ringer’s lactate, azithromycin tablets, ciprofloxacin tablets, and gloves.
These supplies have been dispatched to the county headquarters for distribution to emergency health centres in Panthou, Wath-Muok, and Tiar-Liet.
“We have mobilised resources and assigned the county health director and his team to ensure that these life-saving drugs reach all affected areas promptly,” Deng said.
Cholera, an acute infectious disease, spreads through contaminated food or water and is characterised by severe diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.
In Aweil South County, the outbreak is particularly alarming due to the region’s strained healthcare infrastructure and ongoing challenges such as flooding and displacement, which have historically fueled cholera transmission in South Sudan.
According to health experts, the rainy season often worsens sanitation conditions, creating ideal conditions for the bacteria to thrive.
Local resident Abraham Deng shared the devastating impact of the outbreak, revealing that his relative succumbed to the disease over the weekend.
“My relative passed away on Sunday, and it’s been a terrible loss. We are mourning, and this situation is deeply perplexing for us,” he said.
Health authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and seek immediate treatment at the nearest health centre if they experience symptoms of cholera. Early intervention, including rehydration therapy and antibiotics, remains critical to preventing fatalities.
