South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
Health authorities in Abyei Special Administrative Area on Wednesday announced an outbreak of Hepatitis E following tests at the National Public Health Laboratory Center in Juba.
Deng Arop Mading, Abyei Minister of Health said that they have so far confirmed 14 cases from 30th May and 14th July 2024.
“Today (Wednesday) the Ministry of Health of Abyei Special Administrative Area is hereby declaring the outbreak of Hepatitis E virus in Abyei box as a matter of urgent concern,” Deng said in a statement seen by The Dawn.
He disclosed that the infection had already claimed three lives including two pregnant women.
“All were tested positive on rapid diagnostic test (RDT), among five samples, three were confirmed positive of PCR, one rejected and one tested negative at the National Public Health Laboratory Test in Juba, with three mortality including two pregnant women,” Deng said.
He said the situation worsened following the influx of refugees and returnees from Sudan fleeing ongoing fighting between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudan Armed Force (SAF) since April 2023.
Hepatitis E is a liver infection disease caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV).
The Hepatitis E virus is found in the stool of an infected person.
It is usually spread by the fecal-oral route and the most common source of HEV infection is contaminated drinking water.
