JUBA, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- Deadly tropical disease kala-azar has killed at least 52 people and sickened 2,447 in South Sudan so far this year, the UN humanitarian agency said Friday.
Citing health partners who warn that many more were likely to be infected, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said partners are also employing a multi-sectoral approach to prevent the spread of kala-azar in affected areas.
"By this time last year, 3,079 cases and 79 deaths were reported, showing a significant reduction in both cases and deaths," OCHA said in its latest Humanitarian Bulletin.
The parasitic kala-azar disease, which peaks between September to December, can be fatal if untreated and can kill those with weak immune systems within weeks, according to health experts.
The authorities in Malakal reported an upsurge in cases of kala-azar in Baliet County and called on health partners to scale up response in affected areas.
According to aid agencies, the disease was more prevalent among adults, but also occurred among children.
According to the OCHA, the ongoing conflict and insecurity in most affected areas is preventing patients from seeking medical care services.
The UN said high malnutrition rate, food insecurity, poor housing and environmental change favoring sandflies that spread kala-azar further escalated the problem.
