Sudan faces an outbreak of acute hepatitis among displaced populations, with nearly 500 cases documented in Gezira State between March and July 2025. About 15-20% progressed to acute liver failure-marked by severe jaundice, coagulopathy, and encephalopathy.
The ongoing conflict has displaced 9.8 million people and crippled healthcare: over 80% of facilities in affected areas remain non-functional following more than 500 attacks on medical infrastructure. Poor sanitation, contaminated water, and malnutrition-including conditions like Kwashiorkor-are exacerbating risks.
Patients show jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and elevated liver enzymes exceeding 1,000 IU/L. Standard tests for hepatitis A, B, C, and D are negative, suggesting possible hepatitis E, environmental toxins, or ischemic liver injury due to malnutrition and dehydration.
With limited labs and surveillance, the true scale may be underreported. Experts warn that without urgent international support for diagnostics, nutrition, and healthcare access, the outbreak could spread.