Chronic malaria and flu caused deaths in Lopet area, not mysterious disease

The medical team investigating the death of 5 people from a supposed-mysterious illness in Kapoeta East said they have detected rampant cases of chronic malaria and flu.

Three weeks ago, five people died in Lopet Payam after complaining of chest and throat pains. The victims from different families had also experienced fever, shortage of breath, and general body pain. They reportedly had no pre-existing medical conditions.

A team of health experts comprising of surveillance and clinical officers, and laboratory technicians were sent to the Jie area to investigate the exact cause of deaths.

Joseph Lotira Iko, the Health Coordinator in Narus Payam of Kapoeta East County said the team reported its findings.

“We were able to send the lab technician with some sensitive tube for corona ,malaria, cholera and others…they were able to engage with village elders plus all suspected people of Covid-19 to find out if Covid-19 is also the cause of all this,” he said.

Mr. Lotira stated that the results concluded that the deaths were caused by untreated malaria and flu.