Outbreak of ‘mysterious disease’ in Darfur’s East Jebel Marra

Several areas in Darfur’s East Jebel Marra are reporting an outbreak of a “mysterious disease” that is especially affecting young children.Symptoms of the disease include face and leg swelling, and small rashes “that quickly turn into bruises”. A source explained that three adults were also infected, but they recovered after being treated at the El Fasher Hospital.“Four children, however, who were also transferred to El Fasher four days ago were not cured and their health continues to deteriorate,” the source continued.He stressed that dozens other children are suffering from the same symptoms, and the number of cases continues rising, “amid a complete lack of treatment possibilities” in the areas affected. These areas include Koshna, Karfola, Dali, Massaliet, Nimra, Dubbo ,Kenjara, and Shurfa.Speaking to Radio Dabanga, activists are appealing to the central government to allow organisations to access the stricken areas of East Jebel Marra.They also appeal to the World Health Organisation to send a medical team to check on the situation,  “the government has denied access to doctors, medicines, and treatment for a considerable time.”File photo by Albert González Farran/Unamid