By Hou Akot Hou
Residents of Nyamlel, Aweil West County, Northern Bahr El Ghazal state, reported that an epileptic individual named Garang Bol Geng drowned in a pool of water after collapsing due to his long-term illness.
Philip Agany Thiep, the inspector of police at the Nyamlel headquarters, revealed that the incident occurred on Tuesday evening, leaving the community shocked when the victim was found floating in a river in the area.
“It was a shocking incident, as the person is said to have wandered into the area, and a thorough search was conducted by his relatives. Unfortunately, he was found dead in the water,” Thiep stated.
He urged residents to be mindful of the needs of individuals with epilepsy and to remain vigilant in such situations.
Lual Aleu, a health focal point in Northern Bahr El Ghazal state, disputed claims that epilepsy can quickly lead to death and that it is a dangerous condition.
He emphasized that there are medications available that can prolong the lives of those affected, urging people to abandon outdated stereotypes about the illness being untreatable.
“At times, the condition can improve, as medications are available at health centers. The problem is that our people often hesitate to seek help for their patients,” Aleu explained.
He noted that the most challenging aspect of managing epilepsy is when individuals are not properly cared for by their family or friends.
“The best practice is to monitor the patient, ensuring they do not engage in risky behaviors, like climbing trees or entering deep water, which could lead to a collapse. When a seizure begins, it can take minutes or hours for the person to regain consciousness,” Aleu implored.
Medical professionals describe epilepsy as a medical condition characterized by seizures, convulsions, and blackouts, with individuals typically returning to normalcy after an episode.