By Deng Ghai Deng
Authorities in Jonglei State’s Twic East County have issued a grave warning about the escalating number of snakebite cases as flooding in the region reaches alarming levels.
Authorities in Twic East County, Jonglei State, have issued a grave warning about the increasing number of snakebite cases due to alarming levels of flooding in the area.
Acting County Commissioner Elijah Manyok Ayii reported a significant surge in snakebite incidents since July, with one in sixteen patients succumbing to the bites within just one month.
The worsening flooding has forced snakes to move to higher ground, leading to a spike in encounters with residents.
“The rising water levels have driven snakes into more populated areas, resulting in 16 confirmed snakebites, with one fatality due to a lack of anti-venom,” Manyok stated.
Manyok further made an urgent appeal for anti-venom supplies.
“We are in dire need of anti-venom drugs. Our hospital does not have the necessary medication to treat these bites, which is why we are seeing such tragic outcomes,” he said.
The Acting County Commissioner has contacted the World Health Organization (WHO) and other humanitarian organizations for immediate assistance.
Local health facilities are currently overwhelmed, and the influx of snakebite cases has put additional strain on an already stretched healthcare system.
Manyok’s plea highlights the urgent need for intervention to address both the flooding and the subsequent health crises that have emerged.