Author: Obaj Okuj | Published: 1 hour ago
Duk County health authorities warn of increasing cholera cases among displaced communities. Photo credit: Arak Simon.
Health authorities in Duk County, Jonglei State, say two people have died and 23 other cases have been recorded in a renewed cholera outbreak this week.
Speaking to Eye Radio this morning, the Duk County Health Director, Dr. Arak Simon, said the rise in cases is linked to overcrowding and poor sanitation following the arrival of internally displaced people.
The displaced people, who arrived from Ayod and Uror counties, as well as from within Duk County, have settled along the canal in Ayendit and Poktap of Ager Payam after recent clashes between government and rebel forces.
Dr. Arak said the outbreak first affected Majok Island, Lang Island, and Mondova Island.
It later spread to mainland areas including Padiet, Poktap, Pagak, Panyang, and Pajut payams.
He said health authorities, with support from local non-governmental organisations including Tearfund and the John Dau Foundation, are supporting the county by managing most cases through health facilities along the canal.
Dr. Arak said the situation has worsened due to overcrowding and poor sanitation, which have fueled the latest spike in cases.
“As of yesterday’s report, we have recorded 23 new cases, and we have about two latest death cases. Initially, we had 24, which is the total from 2024 up to date. But, the other week, we lost two patients. So, making it 26,” Dr Arak said.
“And now this rapid spread, started this week, this week that we are ending, initially, we only used to receive two, three cases in the whole county. Bu, last week, from Monday up to yesterday, the cases started rising so, it is really becoming devastating. I’m really worried by today, if we are not careful, we are likely to receive more cases, in the county,” he added.
Dr. Simon stated that since 2024, the county has recorded 914 cholera cases, with 888 patients discharged, warning that cases are rising fast.
He said health centres used to receive only two or three cases per week, but the numbers have sharply increased.
Dr. Arak added that cholera treatment supplies have been exhausted due to the growing population.
He is now appealing for urgent support, calling on partners including the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund to intervene.
Immediate needs include clean water, sanitation and hygiene services, emergency latrines, shelter materials for displaced people, medical supplies and food.
Health officials also appealed to any organisation or well-wisher willing to assist, saying all support is welcome as efforts continue to contain the outbreak.
