Cholera outbreak Bentiu kills boy, leaves 16 in hospital
By Bonifacio Taban Kuich
June 11, 2012 (JUBA) – A young boy has died and 16 people admitted into hospital in Bentiu hospital, after a suspected Cholera outbreak in Hayingas and Tiedbar villages within Bentiu town and Rubkotna County.
Payuan Puok, a medical doctor at Bentiu Hospital, told Sudan Tribune on Monday, that three days of heavy rain fall had caused the outbreak of the water-borne decease.
Puok added that about eight people came to hospital on Sunday with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. He urged on the community to be careful as the onset of the rainy season begins.
“The condition of the eight people who arrived on Sunday was better than those who had waited and extra day to go to hospital, he said. This delay had left to the death of a boy at the critical condition of another.
He also warns the community to take care of their families by promoting proper hygiene’s as the rains continue. Many people in South Sudan drink untreated river water, which is also used for washing and other things.
Bol Majiok, whose eight family members were attacked by cholera, including his 6-year-old son who died on Monday, was admitted to Bentiu hospital on Sunday. He warned others to look after their families.
“I want to assure you that this rainy season is dangerous, I went to buy a bag of sorghum on Saturday but after it was prepare as a food for children, immediately diarrhea and vomiting started with my children including their mother, one of my son die and other are admitted here in hospital, I’m asking everyone to be careful when preparing food for children so they may not get sick, let this incident would not repeat to any one again”, said Majiok.
Puok called in the government and all citizens of Unity State to create awareness and to promote good hygiene at their home to prevent flies spreading germs on food.
Despite South Sudan becoming an independent state last year, the nation faces many challenges in terms of health facilities and awareness across its ten states.
(ST)