The Ministry of Health in South Sudan has confirmed a fatal case of Yellow Fever in Morobo County, Central Equatoria State. A 48-year-old farmer, who recently traveled to the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), died from the disease. The Ministry reported that the deceased, a resident of Okaba village in Gulumbi Payam, had traveled to Ariwara in the DRC approximately two weeks before showing symptoms.
The patient experienced fever, headache, fatigue, chest pain, and joint pain on October 24, 2026, before suffering from nosebleeds on October 27. While receiving treatment in an isolation unit, he developed a generalized body rash on October 29. Initial laboratory investigations ruled out Ebola, as two separate samples tested negative for the disease.
Further testing using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed the presence of the Yellow Fever virus. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa CDC, and other health partners, has activated emergency measures to investigate the case and prevent potential local transmission.
A multidisciplinary technical team has been dispatched to Morobo County to conduct active case searches and contact tracing in Okaba village and Gulumbi Payam. The team will identify individuals who may exhibit similar symptoms and review health facility records from the past two to three weeks.
The team will also collect additional blood samples to determine if the virus is circulating within the community. Other response measures include collecting mosquito samples to assess potential local transmission and documenting community knowledge and practices to inform possible emergency vaccination campaigns.
The Ministry has urged residents of Morobo County and the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures against mosquito bites. The Ministry recommended that communities use mosquito nets, eliminate breeding sites, and seek immediate medical attention for anyone displaying symptoms such as fever, yellowing of the eyes, dark or tea-colored urine, or unusual bleeding.
The Ministry of Health continues to work with international partners to monitor the situation and prevent further transmission of the disease. Residents are advised to cooperate with health authorities and report any suspected cases to prevent the spread of Yellow Fever.
Key points
- The Ministry of Health confirmed a fatal case of Yellow Fever in Morobo County, Central Equatoria State, after a 48-year-old farmer traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The patient died after showing symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, chest pain, and joint pain.
- The Ministry has activated emergency measures to investigate the case and prevent potential local transmission, including contact tracing and collecting mosquito samples.
