Health authorities, including experts from the National Ministry of Health and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), have launched an epidemiological investigation to probe a suspected measles outbreak in Jebel Boma County.
A mysterious disease has claimed the lives of at least 20 individuals in Mewun Payam within Jebel Boma County since September 20, causing concern among local residents.
“We received information about this disease outbreak reported by the administrator of Mewun Payam on September 20. Since then, we have recorded 17 deaths. Yesterday (Wednesday), we dispatched a national response team to the site. Based on the symptomology described, including generalized skin rash, jaundice, fever, and flu-like symptoms, particularly among children, we suspect it could likely be measles,” said Dr. John Rumunu, Director for Preventive Health Services at the National Health Ministry.
Dr. Rumunu urged the residents of Mewun to remain calm as investigations progressed and encouraged them to report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility.
Tony Thiopia Ojulu, GPAA’s Health Minister, acknowledged that logistical challenges delayed the dispatch of a health team to investigate the disease. He mentioned that the epidemiological findings would be disclosed within a week.
Thiopia elaborated on the initial response, saying, “The report of this unknown disease reached us on September 20, and it raised concerns as it led to 17 deaths in Mewun Payam, Jebel Boma County, within a week. We immediately sent a team, but they faced difficulties accessing the affected population due to insecurity. Mewun is a remote area without road connectivity and lacks a communication network.”
Acting Jebel Boma County Commissioner David Lokiai Lochakai expressed relief at the response and shared details of the symptoms exhibited by patients, saying, “Health agencies are now on the ground trying to determine the nature of the disease in Mewun. The disease has claimed the lives of 17 children and 3 adults, with patients showing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and eye infections before succumbing. This issue began around August 20.”