Teenager dies of snake bite in Aweil South County

AWEIL – A 13-year-old girl has died from a snake bite in Akon-beet village, Wath-muok Payam, Aweil South County of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, in an incident that has shocked the local community.

The county’s Information Director, Simon Lual Buut, told Akol Yam FM on Monday that the tragedy occurred at around 9:00 PM as the girl, identified as Abuk Kuot, was finishing her household chores.

According to Lual, Abuk had been cooking and was putting away utensils when she unknowingly stepped on what she believed to be an insect. “She felt something bite her but did not immediately realise it was a snake,” he said.

After the incident, Abuk reportedly stepped out of the tukul and informed her mother and siblings about what had happened. Her father was not at home at the time. By the time he returned, she was already describing the strange bite and discomfort she was experiencing.

However, the family did not initially treat the situation as serious, as neither Abuk nor her relatives suspected a snake bite. Lual said the symptoms gradually worsened, and by midnight, the young girl had succumbed to the effects of the venom.

“The family did not realise the severity of the situation early enough. By the time the symptoms escalated, it was too late to save her,” he explained.

Authorities have since urged residents to take extra precautions, particularly during the rainy season when snake encounters are more common. Lual advised people to avoid walking in the dark without a source of light.

“It is the rainy season, and I urge everyone to use a torch or phone light when moving at night. People should not take risks and assume they will be safe,” he warned.

In a separate development, the state’s Health Education Focal Point, Luka Lual Aleu, reported that two people died over the weekend from suspected rabid dog bites in Aweil.

Aleu attributed the deaths to reliance on traditional remedies, including the use of hyena skin, instead of seeking proper medical treatment. He noted that one of the victims was an elderly person above 40 years, while the other was a teenager.

Health experts and critics say such deaths highlight gaps in access to functional health facilities and essential medicines, challenges that continue to affect emergency response in parts of the state.