At least 25 snakebite cases have been reported in South Sudan’s Ruweng Administrative Area between May and July, health officials said Tuesday.
Sarah Achol Bol, the area’s health minister, told Radio Tamazuj that heavy rainfall and flooding have contributed to the increase in snakebites. Most cases were recorded at Parieng Hospital, with three others treated at Abiemnhom Hospital, she said.
Of the 25 cases, 13 were female, including children under 5, and 10 were male, two of whom were under 3 years old.
One suspected snakebite death was reported in Parieng town, but no fatalities were confirmed among hospitalized patients.
Akol Deng Chol, a Parieng resident, said some victims struggled to reach health facilities due to poor road access. He also cited a shortage of antivenom as a major challenge in treating snakebites.
Flooding has worsened the situation, with snakes seeking higher ground in populated areas during the rainy season.