In a devastating turn of events, four family members in Uror County of Jonglei State lost their lives on Tuesday due to suspected food poisoning, according to local authorities.
Rebecca Nyanuer Kai, the county health director, conveyed the distressing news to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday. Among the deceased were a grandmother and her three grandchildren, while two additional individuals have been hospitalized.
“The incident occurred on Tuesday evening at 8 pm in Pathai Payam, where a family of six fell ill after consuming a meal of posho with greens. The grandmother tragically passed away on the spot, while the three children—two boys and a girl—succumbed to their ailments while receiving treatment at a health facility in Pieri,” Nyanuer revealed.
“Two other individuals remain in critical condition at the Pieri Primary Health Care Center, experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and profuse sweating,” she explained.
Nyanuer appealed to the Health Ministry and aid agencies for assistance in conducting thorough investigations. Food samples have already been collected to aid in the investigation process.
Joseph Bayak, the county executive director, confirmed that an investigation has been initiated into the incident. “Yesterday afternoon, health officials and the police travelled to Pathai to conduct an inquiry. Sadly, four individuals have already lost their lives, while a man and a young woman remain hospitalized in Pieri. These two individuals are reported to be in critical condition. At this point, it remains unclear whether the poison originated from the food or water source,” he stated.
Expressing deep concern, Gatluak Reath Wuol, a youth leader in Uror, called for further investigations into the matter. “The incident in Pathai, where a family of six, including a grandmother, two boys aged 12 and 6, and a 10-year-old girl, lost their lives, has sent shockwaves throughout the Uror community. We demand a comprehensive investigation into this tragic incident, especially considering a similar occurrence took place in Karam a few months ago,” Wuol emphasized.