Malaria Outbreak in South Sudan
23 Aug 2017
South Sudan's Ministry of Health reports a large outbreak of malaria has involved more than 900 000 cases, including 4073 deaths since February 2017.
Staff at Juba Teaching Hospitals saw 300 cases of malaria in February, 376 in March, 508 in April, 1,213 in June and over 2 000 in July. There have been over 5 000 cases (including 250 deaths in August.
Advice for Travellers
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes. You cannot be vaccinated against malaria.
South Sudan is a high risk country for malaria.
- Malaria precautions are essential. Malaria is present throughout the whole country all year round.
- Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.
- Check with your doctor or nurse about suitable antimalarial tablets.
- Atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline OR mefloquine is usually recommended for those visiting risk areas.
- If you have been travelling in a malarious area and develop a fever seek medical attention promptly. Remember malaria can develop even up to one year after exposure.
- If travelling to high risk malarious areas, remote from medical facilities, carrying emergency malaria standby treatment may be considered.
For more information see Malaria.