The Senior Divisional Officer recently issued a public announcement alerting residents of Kumba and the wider Meme Division of the outbreak of schistosomiasis or snail fever epidemic.
The Senior Divisional Officer of Meme Division in the South West Region, Ntou’ou Ndong Chamberlain has announced that there has been the outbreak of snail fever epidemic in the division, specifically affecting Tancha, Ntam I, II, III, Mahole, Mambanda I and II, Pung-Pung, Nshie-Nshie and Pulletin quarters in the administrative area. Snail fever, per scientists, is a disease caused by parasitic worms that live in freshwater snails with symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody urine and itchy skin. The symptoms typically appear after contact with contaminated water sources, such as rivers and streams, infested with the parasitic worms responsible for the disease with children under the age of fourteen being particularly vulnerable.
The SDO for Meme, Ntou’ou Ndong Chamberlain in a statement announcing the outbreak, called for immediate action. The announcement urged traditional and religious leaders, educators, parents, guardians, and the entire population to refrain from swimming, bathing, and drinking water from streams and rivers in Kumba and its environs. The administrator advised against panic, with assurances that medical personnel under the various District Medical Officers in the area are actively working to combat the disease. The SDO emphasized the importance of reporting any suspected cases to the nearest health facility. He said the facilities are preparing to provide adequate treatment and care for those affected by the outbreak.
The announcement stressed the availability of resources and treatment options for individuals exhibiting symptoms of the disease. Further details regarding the scale of the outbreak, the number of infected individuals, and the specific measures implemented to control the spread of the disease were not included in the public warning. The statement focused primarily on informing the public about the epidemic, outlining its symptoms, advising preventative measures, and directing those affected to seek medical attention The SDO extended his appeal to traditional and religious authorities, the educational community, parents, and guardians, urging collaborative action to curb the spread of schistosomiasis.
The coordinated approach, encompassing the regional health delegate and the SDO, the SDO said, reflect the serious nature of the outbreak and the commitment to addressing it effectively. He said additional information is expected to be released following further assessments and investigations related to the ongoing outbreak. The urgency of the situation, he added, is determined by the call to action aimed at preventing further spread through contact with contaminated water sources. The communication strategy prioritizes transparency and clear guidance to the affected communities and Dr Eli Eli Filbert, delegate of public health reassuring the population that the disease is 100 percent treatable.
