The UN refugees agency or UNHCR and the Government of South Sudan confirmed an outbreak of Hepatitis E in camps of Maban County, Upper Nile State.
Yusuf Batil is the most affected camp registering 71 percent of the 3,319 cases of hepatitis E including 69 deaths in the four camps in Maban County between July 2012 and January 2013.UNHCR Chief Spokesperson in South Sudan, Eduardo Cue, told Bakhita Radio that the increase in Hepatitis E was confirmed after a camp-wide registration last December.
So far some indicators show that Hepatitis E did not spread into the host communities, although the disease has been endemic in the region for years.
Mr Cue asked the communities to reduce the risk of infection by washing hands with soap, especially after using the toilet, drinking clean water, using latrines, and avoiding eating uncooked fruits and vegetables.
Reports from the UNHCR indicate that Hepatitis E first appeared in Jamam Camp last year.
UNHCR says it is trying to stop the spread of Hepatitis E to Doro Camp, the largest refugee setting in Upper Nile home to nearly 45,000 refugees, together with the national ministry of health and implementing partners.