Current Situation
According to WHO, as of 17 August 2015, a total of 1,607 cholera cases including 45 deaths, have been reported in Juba County and Bor since the outbreak was declared on 23 June, for an overall case fatality rate (CFR) of 2.8 per cent:
- In Juba County, 1,477 cases including 44 deaths (CFR 2.97 per cent) from seven payams, with cases currently in decline.
- In Bor, 130 cases including one death (CFR 0.77 per cent) reported from Malou in Makuach payam and the rest from other areas around Bor. Cases in Bor are consistent with declining community transmission.
Cases of cholera had been in decline in Juba for almost a month starting on 20 July.
However, this downwards trend was interrupted last week as cases began to increase once again. This included 11 cases reported from Gondokoro military barracks, raising the threat of wider transmission due to military movements. These soldiers will be vaccinated and provided hygiene promotion training.
Weekly case fatality rates had decreased from 17.9 per cent in week 24 to 1.2 per cent in week 32 and rose again to 2.3 per cent last week. Twenty-four per cent of deaths have been children under 5. The new increase in cases demonstrates that vigilance in prevention efforts remains vital, both in Juba and in other hot spot areas in the country.
On 15 August, one woman from Teneth village near Pibor Town tested positive for cholera by rapid diagnostic test (RDT); three other suspected cases were negative. Samples have been sent to the laboratory in Juba for confirmation. While no new cases have been reported since 15 August, UNICEF and partners mobilized a rapid health and hygiene education campaign in the area. MSF is providing case management.