At least 80 cases of snakebites have been recorded in the greater Parieng in Ruweng Administrative Area in the last four months, health officials said.
The minister of health in the area, Achol Bol, told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that 80 cases were reported in the period from July to November and that they were treated and discharged from different health facilities in greater Parieng.
“No deaths were reported at the hospitals among the 80 snakebite cases, they were just injuries,” she said.
According to the minister, most of the victims were farmers working in their gardens and those who were displaced by floods that started in July.
“The floods forced the residents of many villages to move to higher grounds in Parieng Town. Snakes also moved away from the waters to higher grounds where people are, hence the many cases of snakebites,” Bol explained. “Our main challenge is the floods but we have antivenoms in all the health centers across the Ruweng Administrative Areas and the government is supporting the community with medication for snake bites.”
She appreciated the Ruweng Administrative Area Chief Administrator for supporting the health ministry.
“The government of Ruweng provides medication for snake and dog bites to the local communities,” Bol stated. “However, there are several deaths suspected to be linked to snakebites but they were not officially reported to medical facilities or health officials.
A resident of Parieng Town, James Manyang, said most of the snakebite victims were elderly people and children.
“I appreciate the health ministry and partners for supporting the health sector and we want them to continue with the support by bringing more antivenoms to health facilities,” he said. “The community is very happy with the Government of Ruweng for providing antivenoms for snake bites.”