The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning after an outbreak of Hepatitis E killed seven people. The international health watchdog said more than 2,000 suspected cases of the deadly virus have been reported in a province of Chad, central Africa.

The outbreak of the disease – which can turn the skin yellow and causes inflammation of the liver – has been prominent in the Ouaddai province, which has seen an influx of refugees fleeing war in neighbouring Sudan. From January 2 to April 28, a total of 2,092 suspected Hepatitis E cases had been reported, sparking a public health response.

Erneau Mondesir, Doctors Without Borders’ medical coordinator in the region, said: “One year since the outbreak of war in Sudan, the situation for those seeking refuge in Chad remains dire. This not only poses a health risk to the refugees but also to the host communities.”

Hepatitis E is a highly contagious viral infection, mainly transmitted through contaminated water.