Health authorities in Awerial County, Lakes State, confirmed that a suspected outbreak of Rift Valley fever in Wunthou Boma has killed two people, with three others receiving treatment in clinics in Mingkaman and Bor.
The suspected outbreak was confirmed Wednesday.
The disease, which is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites or frequent contact with contaminated animals, causes victims to abort, vomit blood or bleed to death.
Awerial County Medical Officer Michael told Radio Tamazuj that there is a suspected Rift Valley fever outbreak in one of the islands.
“There were five suspects, in which two people passed on, and three patients were there,” he said. “Two were referred to Bor and one was referred to Mingkaman health facilities for treatment. So, we are doing follow-up and monitoring the situation in the area.”
He said officials are planning to visit the site but face logistical challenges.
“Yes, it might be through drinking water because we haven’t investigated yet. But we are planning to go to the site to conduct some investigations,” he said.
“During the process of investigating, this is when we shall be able to arrive at the point where we could know the source people got this disease,” he added.
Anyak Wol, a resident of Mingkaman in Wunthou Boma, said the disease killed two people and sickened three others.
“When a person contracts the disease, it results in nose bleeding, fever, vomiting and headache,” he said. “Two people have died as a result, while three others were referred to Bor and Mingkaman hospitals for medication.”