More than 100 students from different schools in Ibba County of Western Equatoria State hospitalized last week after taking deworming tablets have been discharged.

Last week, the national health ministry and the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched a mass campaign against Bilharzia in the country and administered deworming tablets called Praziquantel.

But after taking the tablets, most students developed adverse side effects presenting with vomiting, abdominal pain, headache among others. They were then referred to Maridi Hospital for treatment. 

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, the state health minister James Adu Votoki said most students recovered but few have severe reactions. 

“On the ground, the current one was 114 students from 5 schools in Ibba, and out of 114 there was no death case and the severe cases which we left yesterday (Sunday) were four. They have been under monitoring by the doctors and I can confirm this morning (Monday) that three are still severe and the doctor is monitoring them," the minister said.

Adu called on the parents to be patient as the government addresses the matter. 

“My message to the parents is let us take heart when the drug is given to people always the effect is there. So, we are supplying the necessary medications so that those children can the treated and go back to their school for their studies, that is our plan," he said. "I think when something is under the control of the government everything will be fine." 

Praziquantel is used to treat schistosomiasis, also known as snail fever or bilharzia, an infection of the urinary tract or bowels, caused by Schistosoma (blood fluke), a flatworm parasite.