The Ministry of Health in South Sudan has elevated its national health system to the highest state of alert following the detection of an imported Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD) case in neighboring Kenya. According to the Kenyan Ministry of Health, the patient, a Kenyan citizen, had traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo through Uganda and died on October 5. This development has raised concerns about the potential spread of the virus through the region's interconnected borders, trade routes, and transport corridors.
The Caretaker Minister of Health, Dak Duop Bichok, addressed journalists in Juba, stating that there are currently no confirmed cases of BVD inside South Sudan. However, he emphasized that the regional situation is rapidly changing, requiring increased surveillance and preparedness. The Ministry is working closely with the National Public Health Institute, the World Health Organization, and the Africa CDC to strengthen preparedness and safeguard the population.
The Democratic Republic of Congo remains the regional epicenter of the outbreak, with 8,442 confirmed cases and 4,080 deaths reported as of October 2. The Dungu health zone in eastern DRC is of particular concern to South Sudan due to the presence of active camps located near the South Sudanese border. Uganda, which previously experienced an outbreak, declared it over on August 27 after completing a 42-day period without recording new cases.
In response to the situation, the Ministry is intensifying border screening at checkpoints and transport hubs. The authorities are also promoting community infection-control measures, including improved access to soap, clean water, and alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The public is being urged to avoid direct contact with the bodily fluids of sick people or animals showing signs of illness.
The Ministry has also emphasized the importance of safe and dignified burials, with suspected deaths handled exclusively by trained medical teams. Citizens are being advised to remain calm while observing preventive measures and to report cases involving fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual bleeding to the nearest health facility. Suspected cases can also be reported through the national toll-free health line 6666.
Despite the absence of confirmed BVD cases in South Sudan, the Ministry warns that the risk remains, particularly given the movement of people across the country's borders with the DRC, Uganda, and Kenya. The Ministry is urging citizens to remain vigilant and take coordinated action to protect the population. The Caretaker Minister concluded by calling for collective efforts to mitigate the risk of the virus spreading in the country.
The situation in South Sudan is being closely monitored, with the Ministry of Health working proactively to prevent the spread of the virus. Key measures being implemented include heightened screening at border checkpoints, promotion of community infection-control measures, and improved preparedness. The Ministry is also working with international partners to strengthen its response to the outbreak.
Key points
- South Sudan's health ministry has placed the national health system on high alert following the detection of an imported Bundibugyo virus case in neighboring Kenya.
- The Democratic Republic of Congo remains the regional epicenter of the outbreak, with 8,442 confirmed cases and 4,080 deaths reported as of October 2.
- The Ministry is intensifying border screening and promoting community infection-control measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
