Authorities in Ayod County of Jonglei State said at least two people succumbed to snakebites in the county headquarters, Ayod town, Monday, amidst an anti-venom drug shortage.
James Chuol Jiek, Ayod County Commissioner, told Radio Tamazuj that deaths from snakebites have been on the rise since May because the county is submerged in floodwaters.
“25-year-old woman Mariah Nyakote Bol and Tuor Duong died this week alone,” Chuol said. “Since May, a total of 19 people died of snakebites and 25 others survived in Ayod town, Gau, Wau, Khowai, Pagil, Jiec, Paguong, Pajiek, Kwachdeng, and Nyanapel.”
The official pointed out that snakebite cases are on the rise because they come in conflict with humans as they migrate to dry land. He added that the victims die due to a lack of anti-venom drugs.
For his part, Gabriel Tot Kai, the county SPLM party secretary said the rising snakebite cases have wreaked havoc among the locals because there is no drug. He called for an urgent health intervention.
“There are no drugs for snake bites in the county. Residents rely on herbs. So, we are appealing for intervention because at night people even fear sleeping in rooms,” he said.
Cases of snakebites have been on the rise in parts of the country because of the floods since 2020.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), snakebite envenoming is responsible for thousands of deaths among rural populations globally every year.