Sudan: Yellow Fever Reported in Sudan

Juba — Partners in South Sudan were concerned about recent cases of yellow fever in parts of Sudan bordering South Sudan.

Between 3 October and 17 November, 40 suspected cases of yellow fever and 10 associated deaths were reported in South and West Kordofan states. The case fatality rate is 25 per cent.

In response to the disease, a vaccination campaign was launched on 29 October targeting 100,000 people in South and West Kordofan. To date, some 80,000 people have been vaccinated. Health education campaigns are also underway using local radio stations, schools and mosques.

In South Sudan, surveillance has been enhanced and strengthened in the border areas, including in Maban and Yida refugee settlements which host refugees from the affected areas of Sudan. No suspected cases have so far been reported in South Sudan.

Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. In South Sudan the disease was last recorded in 2003, when 178 people were infected in Eastern Equatoria State.

SOURCE Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in South Sudan