Cholera & its outbreak in Sudan

Cholera is an infectious disease caused by bacteria named Vibrio cholerae. Cholera causes profuse diarrhea episodes and vomiting. The cause of cholera are toxins secreted by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Microscopically, these bacteria appear curved (comma-shaped) and have a negative Gram stain. Cholera causes severe loss of fluid and electrolytes from the body due to vomiting and profuse diarrhea. Less frequently, some people infected have few or no symptoms. If fluids and electrolytes are not restored to the individual, more severe symptoms, including dehydration and shock, may occur quickly (about 12-48 hours). Death occurs in about 15%-20% of patients who develop severe symptoms and signs.

Is cholera contagious?

Cholera is highly contagious. Cholera can be transferred person to person by infected fecal matter entering a mouth or by water or food contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. The organisms can survive well in salty waters and can contaminate humans and other organisms that contact or swim in the water.

What is the incubation period for cholera?

The time period from exposure to the bacteria until the development of symptoms (incubation period) is relatively short for cholera, varying from about 12 hours to five days. Most people develop symptoms of watery diarrhea (termed "rice-water stools") with frequent stooling. More severe symptoms include frequent vomiting, rapid heart rate, dry mucous membranes, muscle cramps, restlessness, thirst, loss of skin elasticity, and low blood pressure. As symptoms progress, some patients can develop kidney failure and/or hypovolemic shock. Detection of cholera is simple with testing of stool samples with a special dipstick. Examination of the watery diarrhea for characteristic Vibrio bacteria (comma-shaped bacteria) by microscopy can be helpful. Subsequent culture of the organisms from stool samples will confirm preliminary dipstick and microscopic identification. Continue Reading

South Sudan: Cholera Outbreak - Jul 2016

A total of 12 counties in (28%) of 32 states countrywide have confirmed cholera outbreaks. The most recent cases were confirmed in Bor South, Jonglei state on 9 February 2017. Suspect cholera cases are being investigated and responded to in Adior, Shambe, and Langmatot in Yirol East county; Panyagor in Twic East county; and Moldova in Duk county. During week 6 of 2017, a total of 12 samples from Bor South, Fangak, and Bentiu PoC tested positive for cholera (Table 3). Cumulatively, 171 (37.3 %) samples have tested positive for Vibrio Cholerae inaba in the National Public Health Laboratory as of 10 February 2017.

Cumulatively, 5,995 cholera cases including 146 deaths (65 facilities and 81 community) (CFR 2.45%) have been reported in South Sudan with Active cholera transmission is ongoing in the counties of Yirol East,Awerial, Panyijiar, and Bor. Suspect cholera cases are being verified/investigated in Duk( Padiet, Mamour Cattle Camp, Amiel and Dorok) , In Ayod(Gorwai, Jiech, Pajiek, Lowi, Haat & Pultupi), in Old Fangak (Juaibor & Torch) and Juba Town (WHO, Govt. South Sudan, 6 April 2017)