Ministry of Health Confirms Yellow Fever Outbreak in Yambio County, Western Equatoria State
By Denilson Denike
In a press statement released today, the Ministry of Health in South Sudan has officially confirmed the outbreak of yellow fever in Yambio County, Western Equatoria State.
The statement, signed by Minister of Health Yolanda Awel Deng Juach, aims to inform the general public about the situation and the measures being taken to address it.
The outbreak was first identified on December 21, 2023, when an 18-year-old male patient from Kangura village in Kangura Payam, Yambio County, Western Equatoria State, exhibited symptoms including generalized body weakness, headaches, epigastric discomfort, fever, vomiting of blood, and jaundice.
Prior to seeking medical attention at Gangura primary health care center, the patient had received antibiotics treatment elsewhere without improvement.
Given the alignment of symptoms with the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) case definition for viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF), the patient was immediately isolated, and a sample was collected and sent to the National Public Health Laboratory on December 22, 2023.
The results of the sample, tested at the NPHL on December 24, 2023, and later at the Uganda Virus Research Institution (UVRI), confirmed yellow fever infection. Differential testing using real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for Ebola and Marburg viruses yielded negative results. Furthermore, ongoing differential testing is being conducted to rule out other diseases.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has activated the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC) to facilitate a coordinated response. A team of experts from the national and subnational levels, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, has been mobilized to conduct a detailed field investigation. Active case search, community mobilization, and sensitization efforts are underway in the Gangura areas.
To contain the spread of the virus, the Ministry of Health, with support from WHO, has applied to the International Coordination Group (ICG) that manages the global stockpiles of yellow fever vaccines. It is anticipated that in the next few weeks, yellow fever vaccines will be made available, and vaccination campaigns will commence in Yambio and surrounding counties.
Minister Yolanda Awel Deng Juach emphasized the importance of swift action, stating, “We are taking this outbreak very seriously and are committed to implementing effective measures to protect the population. The activation of the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre and the mobilization of experts demonstrate our dedication to containing the spread of yellow fever.”
The Ministry of Health urges the public to remain vigilant, follow hygiene practices, and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms associated with yellow fever.
