AWEIL — A seven-year-old girl has died after being bitten by a large snake while playing with other children in Udhaba Boma, Nyalath Payam, of Aweil Center County, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State.
The incident occurred on Sunday when the children were playing behind a traditional house, locally known as a tukul.
According to a family member, the snake emerged from nearby bushy vegetation and attacked the deceased, identified as Aluel Mangok Jongkor.
Tito Luol, a relative of the girl, told this publication on Monday that the children were playing when the snake suddenly emerged from the vegetation.
“The children were playing behind the tukul, and immediately the big snake emerged from the vegetation and bit the seven-year-old baby, known as Aluel Mangok Jongkor,” Luol said.
He said the girl was rushed to Aweil Civil Hospital for medical assistance but died before she could receive treatment.
“The snake bit the baby, and she was immediately rushed to Aweil State Hospital but unfortunately passed away immediately before being taken inside for medication,” he said.
Luol urged residents to clear bushes around homes and other areas where children commonly play to reduce the risk of snake attacks.
He said the condition of the surrounding vegetation contributed to the danger faced by the children.
The incident comes amid reports of other snake bites in parts of Northern Bahr El Ghazal.
On Sunday night, a 20-year-old woman was reportedly bitten by a snake in Madhol Payam of Aweil East County.
She was taken to Madhol Field Hospital, where medical workers administered antivenom.
Some residents have raised concerns about access to and the availability of antivenom, alleging that supplies intended for snakebite victims are sometimes sold instead of being provided to patients.
One resident claimed that some health workers sell antivenom, saying the practice has allegedly occurred on several occasions.
The allegations could not be independently verified.
