By Editorial Team,
South Sudan’s health ministry has declared an outbreak of Hepatitis E (HEV) disease in Wau Western Bahr-El-Ghazel State
“As of 13 April 2023, a cumulative total of 91 cases with symptoms and signs consistent with HEV disease and five deaths (Case Fatality Rate: 5.5%) were reported from Wau. Most cases (93% are from Nazareth village in Wau South.” Reads part of a statement issued by the national health ministry on Monday.
The statement further said the median age group affected is 20 years (Interquartile range: 2- 71). Males are the most affected accounting for 73.6% of all reported cases.
Hepatitis E is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis Evirus (HEV). HEV is found in the stool of an infected person; it is usually spread by the fecal-oral route, and hte most common source of HEV infection is contaminated drinking water.
Typical signs and symptoms ofhepatitis include:
an initial phase of mild fever, reduced appetite (anorexia), nausea and vomiting lasting for a few days; • abdominal pain, itching, skin rash, or joint pain.
jaundice (yellow colour ofthe skin), dark urine and pale stools; and a-slightly enlarged, tender liver (hepatomegaly).
The Public is urged to be vigilant and report all suspected H E cases to the national outbreak hotline 6666 or the nearest health facility, County Health Department, and/or State Ministry of Health.
