Nodding disease in southern Sudan

ABSTRACT

In January 2008, an advisor on school health and nutrition working for Save the Children [USA] observed several cases of children suffering from "nodding disease", while on a visit to southern Sudan. The affected children were from the districts of Mvolo and Wulu in Western Equatoria and Lakes states respectively. A quick assessment among the community for data of children infected with the disease revealed more than 100 cases in a population of 3-5,000 people. Save the Children USA requested WHO/HQ to assist in investigating this disease, identify risk factors and help prevent and/or find cure for this disease. On 14 January WHO/HQ notified WHO/EMRO. Verification through WHO offices in Sudan and the government health authorities did not yield any additional information about the disease. The two districts border Mundri County, where in 2001/2 WHO researchers investigated an outbreak of nodding disease but did not identify the etiology