Health officials probe suspected 'whooping cough' infections in Lakes State

(radiotamazuj.org)

Health officials in South Sudan's Lakes State are investigating suspected cases of whooping cough-a highly contagious respiratory tract infection marked by severe cough, in Cueibet County.

Lakes State health minister Dr. Jaob Acuoth Akuocpiir told Radio Tamazuj on Monday a team from the ministry, county health department, and health partners has been sent to Agangrial village of Cueibet County and Tonj County of Warrap State to investigate the sickness.

"We do not know how many cases there are because we are doing a listing of the cases and we already collected samples and we are waiting for the results," he said.

He urged the people of the area to go to the health facility there for treatment.

"Patients come with symptoms of cough and we give antibiotics and it will relieve the cough but to confirm this whooping cough. We need to do an investigation. So I am waiting for a comprehensive report from my team on the ground," he added. 

Dr. Acuoth said no deaths have been reported so far and insisted that the investigation is key to getting proper treatment and planning purposes. 

Peter Nhomngek, a primary health care health worker in Agangrial said they have also recorded two cases of measles.  

"We give them some of the medication because of secondary bacterial infection prevention and we also give them anti-fever which is paracetamol," he said. "Those two children are now going to be okay. The situation is controlled."