JUBA, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- The South Sudanese health ministry has confirmed that eight people died from infections of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the country's Bentiu camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
John Rumunu, head of health services in the Ministry of Health, said on Sunday evening that 219 new cases have been reported this year, bringing the total to 905 in the oil-rich state since 2019, when the outbreak was first reported in Bentiu IDP camp.
Hepatitis E virus infection can lead to acute liver failure and death, and is particularly dangerous among pregnant women.
Symptoms of HEV infection include jaundice, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and abdominal pain.
The virus can be transmitted through consumption of contaminated water or food. Enditem
