A deadly cholera outbreak has claimed 58 lives and sickened over 1,300 people in the southern Sudanese city of Kosti, health officials confirmed on Saturday.
The outbreak, which occurred between Thursday and Saturday, is believed to have been triggered by contaminated drinking water.
The city, located 420 kilometers south of Khartoum, has been battling the disease with urgent measures.
The Sudanese health ministry has launched a vaccination campaign and bolstered the capacity of an isolation center with support from the United Nations and international medical organizations.
Despite these efforts, local hospitals are overwhelmed.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that its cholera treatment center at Kosti hospital is at full capacity.
Dr. Francis Layoo Ocan, MSF’s medical coordinator, stated, “The situation is really alarming and is about to get out of control.”
With limited space for patients, MSF has resorted to treating individuals on the floor in emergency areas.
The White Nile River, a crucial water source, has been identified as the likely infection point.
Many residents have been using water from the river after a major power outage affected the city’s infrastructure.
Local authorities have responded by prohibiting river water collection and reinforcing chlorination efforts in the distribution system.
This follows a devastating cholera outbreak last year that killed more than 600 people and infected over 21,000 across Sudan.
As the situation continues to worsen, health officials urge immediate support and intervention to prevent further loss of life.
