The number of acute jaundice syndrome cases reported from the refugee camps of Maban county in South Sudan has shown an upsurge in recent time. As of 16 February 2013, a total of 6340 acute jaundice syndrome cases, including 121 deaths (case-fatality rate 1.9%) were reported from five refugee camps of Maban county (Figure 1).
The acute jaundice syndrome cases were laboratory-confirmed in EPI (Expanded Programme on Immunization) week no 32 of 2012 as caused by hepatitis E virus infection. The recent surge has been attributed to overcrowding of the refugee populations in the camps, as well as continued deterioration of water, sanitation and hygiene situation in the camps.
WHO is working closely with UNHCR, the UN agency responsible for managing the refugee camps, UNICEF and local nongovernmental organizations for control of this outbreak.
Figure 1. Cases of acute jaundice syndrome by week, Maban county, South Sudan, 2012–2013 (n= 6340)
Related links
Weekly epidemiological monitor on the hepatitis E upsurge in South Sudan