The national Health Ministry formally on Thursday declared cholera outbreak in Juba, Central Equatoria State.
In a statement, the ministry recorded 18 suspected cases in Juba with one death medically confirmed on May 6, following tests conducted by AMREF laboratory in Nairobi, Kenya.
The 18 suspects reportedly originate from Gudele II, Gudele I, Juba Nabari, Joppa, Kator, Gabat, Mauna, New site, Nyakuron and Munuki block A.
The statement added that there are 14 suspected cases: six males and eight females currently admitted at the Isolation Ward in Juba Teaching Hospital and one case at IBI clinic at Gudele.
The Health Ministry with the support of WHO, UNICEF, MSF, IOM and Medair conducted cholera vaccination campaigns in Mingkaman, Malakal, Bor, Juba Nabari and Juba III to prevent cholera outbreak among the IDPs.
Government and health agencies said a lot of interventions are still needed to provide better water and sanitation to ensure the outbreak is promptly contained.
The Ministry advises masses to urgently seek medical attention at any nearest facility in case of suspected cholera case, avoid the use of local herbs in case of acute watery diarrhoea.
It also instructed the public to avoid close contact with suspected cholera patient, wash hands all the time before eating anything, dispose off stool in pit latrines at all times including children faeces, avoid open defecation and avoid eating cold food.