Ten individuals, including children, fell ill after consuming poisoned food in Bolong Tiok village near Gogrial town, as reported by health officials in Warrap State’s Gogrial West County on Tuesday.
They were promptly admitted to the Gogrial West Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC), with critical cases being transferred to Kuajok Hospital.
John Akol Akol, the Director of Surveillance for Infections and Diseases in Warrap State, told Radio Tamazuj that the incident occurred on Monday when the individuals ingested food contaminated with insecticides. This resulted in symptoms such as vomiting, coughing, and diarrhea.
“Ten individuals consumed the tainted food, all experiencing symptoms of vomiting, coughing, and diarrhea. Five critically ill children were transferred to Kuajok Hospital for advanced treatment, while the remaining five are being treated at Gogrial West PHCC. Efforts are underway to arrange transportation for hospital visits and support for both the patients and their families,” Akol stated.
Akol further explained, “Our medical findings indicate that insecticides were inadvertently mixed with flour, which was then used in cooking for these individuals. According to reports from the patients, there have been no fatalities thus far. However, we are vigilant for potential complications, particularly cardiac issues, which can manifest as coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea—symptoms exacerbated by the hot weather, necessitating increased hydration, which is our primary concern.”
In the meantime, Kulang Joseph, the Medical Director for Gogrial West County, corroborated the incident, noting that some patients had shown signs of recovery and were discharged on Tuesday evening.
“A traveller originating from Bentiu town in Unity State, en route to Aweil, was carrying maize flour and insecticides. The food prepared in Bolong Tiok village was consumed by locals and children, leading to poisoning, with symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever,” he clarified.
“As the incident occurred in Gogrial town, affected individuals were swiftly taken to health facilities, with some referred to the major hospital in Kuajok,” he continued.
Kulang further detailed, “As of this evening (Tuesday), seven individuals have been discharged—four from Gogrial PHCC, with one remaining admitted but stable, and three out of the five referred to Kuajok Hospital have been discharged, while two are still undergoing treatment.”