Sudan cholera death toll rises

The Sudanese Ministry of Health has announced a significant rise in the number of cholera cases in the country. The total number of infected people stands at 2,583, with the death toll rising to 98.

According to the ministry’s Autumn Emergency Room, “234 new infections were recorded in the states of Gedaref and Kassala, which contributed to the increase in the total number of cases.” The number of deaths, it added, raises concerns about the health situation in Sudan.

Just over 176,500 people representing about 40,000 families have been affected by rains and floods in 11 states, explained the ministry. At least 18,838 homes have collapsed completely, with 15,074 partially damaged. “This increases the challenges facing the authorities in dealing with these crises.”

Sudan’s health authorities announced on 19 August that the country is suffering from a cholera outbreak that has killed 20 people and infected hundreds more in recent weeks. Earlier, the World Health Organisation said that 78 cholera deaths had been recorded in Sudan this year as of 28 July. The organisation added that the disease had infected more than 2,400 people between 1 and 28 July.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by eating or drinking food or water that is contaminated with the bacterium vibrio cholerae affecting both children and adults. It can kill within hours if untreated. The infection is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or water.

The cholera outbreak is the latest disaster to hit Sudan, which has been plagued with chaos since April last year, when growing tensions between the army and the Rapid Support Forces turned into open warfare across the country.

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