A total of 31 cases of snakebites, including two fatalities, have been reported in Duk County of Jonglei State since August, a marked rise from 11 in July, officials say. 

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Duk County Executive Director Elijah Manyok said the majority of the cases were recorded among the displaced staying in the open along the Jonglei Canal area. 

“Of all the 42 cases since July, 40 snakebites, are among the locals displaced to the top of the Canal embankment. The other two occurred in Duk Padiet town, and they are currently in critical condition because there are no drugs for treatment,” Manyok explained. 

The local official appealed for the provision of drugs to treat the snakebites victims, saying the rising cases have worsened the already deteriorating situations for the over 20, 000 civilians displaced by floods from their homes since July. 

For his part, Abraham Garang Nyoc, the county health director, said they lack antivenom rugs to treat any snakebite case since July. He appealed to the health agencies to intervene. 

Dr. Bol Chaw, the medical director of Bor State Hospital, the main referral facility in Jonglei, admitted a surge in snakebite cases due to floods but said they are unable to provide treatment because of drug shortages in the state. 

He urged displaced residents to take precautionary measures to avoid bites from snakes. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), snakebite envenoming is responsible for thousands of deaths among rural populations globally every year.