WHO supports response to food poisoning in South Sudan

One death has been reported and more than 400 patients were admitted to Bor State Hospital and others to private facilities in Bor town. Many patients have been discharged and only 11 are still admitted.

Overall the number of cases registered is 434.

Samples were collected and results of culture of 19 stool and water samples is pending at the National Public Health Laboratory in Juba with Salmonella, Shigella, Enteropathogenic E. coli or Vibrio Cholerae suspected due to time between exposure and symptoms.

WHO told FoodQualityNews investigations on the cause of illness are ongoing but two possible vehicles have been identified: a vegetable dish ('Kudra') prepared the day before and tap water served during the pubic event.

The agency added the event is almost closed but it is monitoring the situation and doing active case search in the community. 

Patients presented with diarrhea, vomiting, fever, general body weakness and headache after eating food at a building inaugural ceremony.

Bor State Hospital run out of supplies like fluids (Ringers Lactate) and antibiotics.

Health Link South Sudan in Bor delivered 300 liters of Ringers Lactate and gloves.

WHO and Health Cluster at national level delivered 1.5 tons of infusion kits, antibiotics, infection prevention and control and sample collection materials including dispensary tent, chlorination kits for disinfection and water treatment kits from Juba.

The organization also sent five technical staff to support health partners in Bor and the State Ministry of Health.

South Sudan Humanitarian Fund, US Aid for International Development and European Union Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) were also involved in responding to the suspected food poisoning.