South Sudan confirms fatal yellow fever case
A 48-year-old farmer died after travelling from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
South Sudan's health ministry confirmed a fatal yellow fever case in Morobo County, Central Equatoria State. The deceased was a 48-year-old farmer from Okaba village who had travelled to Ariwara in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) approximately two weeks before falling ill.
The farmer developed symptoms including fever, headache, and nosebleeding on October 24, with a body rash appearing later. Blood samples initially tested negative for Ebola but confirmed yellow fever virus infection via RT-PCR. The patient died on November 1, and the ministry has activated an emergency response with the WHO and Africa CDC.
A multidisciplinary team is investigating the case in Morobo County, conducting active case searches and contact tracing. The investigation includes reviewing health facility records and collecting samples to assess local transmission. The ministry also plans to assess community knowledge and strengthen cross-border surveillance with DRC health authorities.
Why it mattersA fatal yellow fever case has been confirmed in South Sudan, prompting an emergency response and investigations into potential local transmission.