South Sudan

COVID-19

COVID-19 is confirmed as being in South Sudan.

On 5 April, South Sudan announced its first case of COVID−19. This is a UN staff member who last travelled internationally five weeks ago, which indicates community transmission. The South Sudan Ministry of Health and WHO are leading on contact tracing and follow up.

If you’re permitted into the country, you may be quarantined in a public hospital and not able to leave the country.

More information:

Ebola

While there have been no confirmed cases of Ebola in South Sudan, cases have occurred in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.  Arriving travellers are screened at Juba International Airport and some land entry points to South Sudan.

Polio

There are ongoing outbreaks of polio in South Sudan and other countries across the Horn of Africa.

Make sure you’ve completed a primary course of polio vaccination and get a booster dose before you travel.

If you’re unsure, check with your doctor at least 8 weeks before you travel.

Yellow fever

Yellow fever is widespread in South Sudan. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It’s prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter South Sudan. 

Find out about re-entering Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

Other insect-borne diseases

Malaria is common throughout the year across South Sudan.

Other insect-borne diseases occur, including:

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

More information:

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is common. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

If you’re a victim of rape or violent crime, seek immediate medical assistance outside of South Sudan.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur. Outbreaks of cholera in Juba and other locations have occurred.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid raw or undercooked food, such as salads
• don’t swim in fresh water

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government