Concern as fever spreads in Central Darfur

People in Central Darfur have expressed their deep concern about the spread of haemorrhagic fever, particularly in the camps in Zalingei and Wadi Saleh localities, which started in July. A child in Hamidiya camp for the displaced was the most recent victim.

The coordinator of the camps in Central Darfur reported the death of the child at Zalingei hospital on Friday morning to Radio Dabanga. He demanded state and federal Ministries of Health to take immediate action, provide treatment and vaccines, and send doctors to reduce the shortage of medical staff.

In addition, improved sanitation and combatting mosquitoes are needed. The coordinator also urged the formation of committees that could raise health awareness in the area. He said that both displaced people as locals have shown their concerns about the spread of haemorrhagic fever.

The number of cases rose to 39, and 16 people have died, according to the State Ministry of Health on Friday. All cases were recorded in the areas of the Hamidiya, Hasahisa, and Teiba camps, near the state’s capital city Zalingei.

Viral haemorrhagic fever affects many organs, damages blood vessels, and affects the body’s ability to regulate itself. While some types of haemorrhagic fever viruses can cause relatively mild illnesses, many of these viruses cause severe, life-threatening disease.