Authorities in Kapoeta East County and Kauto Administrative Area of Eastern Equatoria State are investigating a suspected Guinea worm case reported in Namoruputh Boma, Napeikodolu village.
The suspected case involves a 14-year-old boy who developed
an open wound on his right ankle. Health authorities said the ankle started
itching and swelling on July 16, before the swollen area reportedly burst on
July 19, with a white thread seen from the wound.
Kapoeta East County Health Director Angelo Lokai told
Singaita FM that the case has not been confirmed as Guinea worm and requires
further assessment and laboratory verification.
“We cannot declare it is a Guinea worm. It is still not yet
detected well. We need to assess properly and take it to the laboratory for
confirmation,” Lokai said.
Lokai said the county health team is working with The Carter
Center, which supports Guinea worm eradication efforts, and is awaiting
logistical support for the response.
“The Carter Center has not yet turned up. They said they
were going to provide some support, but up to now we have not received any
update from them,” Lokai said.
“One of my staff members got this information while he was
still on the ground there. So, he volunteered to go and check. He is currently
there on the ground.”
The Chief Administrator of Kauto Administrative Area, Kevin
Lomanat, said local authorities have deployed a team to verify the report.
“The person has an open wound, and the sign is itching and
sore on the leg. We have sent the team there to ascertain the case,” Lomanat
said.
The suspected case comes after Guinea worm was eliminated
from Kauto in 2019 following years of surveillance and prevention efforts.