South Sudan Battles Cholera, Measles and Mpox Outbreaks Amid Regional Health Risks
Credit: Al Jazeera
South Sudan is battling outbreaks of cholera, measles and mpox while strengthening surveillance against the risk of imported diseases from neighboring countries, according to the latest health emergency update from the World Health Organization and national health authorities.
The outbreaks are unfolding as South Sudan continues to face humanitarian pressures, food insecurity and regional conflict, placing additional strain on the country’s health system.
Cholera remains the most widespread active outbreak, with transmission concentrated in Unity State. Health teams recorded 201 new cases across three counties during the latest reporting period, with no new deaths.
Unity State accounted for 97.7% of cholera cases recorded nationally over the previous four weeks. Most of the cases were reported in Rubkona, which accounted for 86%, followed by Mayom, Leer and Guit. Upper Nile State accounted for about 1.5% of cases.
Authorities have carried out oral cholera vaccine campaigns in affected areas, reaching 93% coverage in Leer, 88% in Mayom and 80.5% in Rubkona. A request has been submitted for an additional vaccination campaign in Renk, Upper Nile State.
South Sudan has not confirmed any cases of Ebola or Bundibugyo virus disease, but authorities continue to maintain heightened surveillance because of outbreaks in the region.
A recent suspected viral hemorrhagic fever case at Juba Teaching Hospital was ruled out after laboratory samples tested negative at the National Public Health Laboratory.
Uganda declared its Bundibugyo virus outbreak over on July 28 after 42 days without new community transmission.
South Sudan has adopted an area-based preparedness system covering 15 border counties. Ezo, Yambio, Juba, Yei, Morobo and Nzara have been identified as the highest-risk areas and prioritized for infection prevention supplies and health worker training.
Screening teams checked 62,755 travelers at points of entry during one week, with the Nimule and Kaya border crossings accounting for 88.4% of screenings.
Meanwhile, measles transmission has been reported in several parts of the country. Health authorities recorded 17 new cases during the latest reporting week, with new outbreaks confirmed in Rubkona, Magwi, Wau, Aweil East and Aweil Centre.
Reactive vaccination campaigns have been launched in affected communities.
Mpox also remains under active surveillance in Western Equatoria and Central Equatoria. Six cases are currently considered active within the 21-day monitoring period, including five in Yambio and one in Juba County, out of 129 cumulative confirmed cases reported since early 2025.
A national mpox vaccination plan has been finalized and is awaiting approval from the Ministry of Health.
Health authorities and humanitarian partners are continuing disease surveillance, vaccination, infection prevention and community outreach as South Sudan seeks to contain existing outbreaks and strengthen its preparedness against additional health emergencies.
