The World Health Organisation (WHO) said, on Tuesday, that 39 people have died from measles since January in South Sudan, with a case fatality rate of 1.7 per cent.
The UN health agency in an epidemiological report released in Juba, South Sudan, stated that 2,271 suspected measles cases.
There are also, 146 lab-confirmed cases.
“The observed surge in suspected measles cases, with a peak in week 10 and a steady decline since then, indicates an effective increase in interruption efforts,” the report stated.
WHO said the high discrepancy between suspected and confirmed cases highlighted a critical need for enhanced sample collection and robust laboratory testing. This is to ensure accurate diagnosis.
According to the report, improving these aspects will aid investigation and reporting. It will also allow for more targeted public health interventions and resource allocation.
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WHO said there is no ongoing outbreak. However, eight counties reporting suspected/confirmed cases have yet to reach the outbreak threshold.
It stated that the threshold did not warrant further investigation and laboratory validation.
In coordination with partners and the Ministry of Health, the WHO is preparing kits to aid in cases of management in counties experiencing an epidemic.
“The Ministry of Health, the WHO and partners are intensifying measles case management, surveillance and risk communication in locations with suspected and confirmed outbreaks,” the agency said. (Xinhua)
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