Guinea - Conakry: several fishermen affected by a "mysterious" skin disease

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Conakry: several fishermen hit by a "mysterious" disease on the high seas

Several fishermen from the fishing ports of Bonfi and Gbessia, in the municipality of Matoto, have contracted a skin disease on the high seas. At least fifty-four (54) victims of this disease have been identified at the fishing port of Bonfi . Some of them are admitted to CHU Donka. The information was made public this Thursday, April 13, 2023, Guineematin.com learned through one of its reporters.

Idrissa Kallo, secretary for external affairs and communication and information of the national federation of fishermen and artisans of Guinea, provided details on this worrying situation.

Fodé Idrissa Kallo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Federation of Guinean Fishermen

“Since the day before yesterday Tuesday, April 11, 2023, some fishermen have left the high seas, they have returned directly to their homes. They noticed burns on their skin. They took some medicine, but they saw that it's not right. Given the extent of the burns and the number of people affected, they came to see the local authorities at the Bonfi landing stage. The latter passed the information on to the level of their hierarchy, and the information arrived at the level of the Ministry of Fisheries. The services thus came to the field. For the moment, they are carrying out the various investigations to understand the real cause of what is affecting the fishermen”.

Speaking of the number of people affected, Idrissa Kallo mentions the figure of 54 fishermen. “Today, 54 fishermen have been counted at the Bonfi fishing port. But, you should know that at the port of Gbessia, there are cases that are reported. I do not have the number for the port of Gbessia”, said our interlocutor.

Continuing, Mr. Kallo returned to the care of the sick. For their support, we must meet and see at the level of the national confederation of fishing professionals the decisions to be taken urgently. Already, we have drawn the attention of the authorities so that they set up an emergency national commission of inquiry because this problem is a national problem, it is a question of human lives. The fish that is caught on its waters is consumed by human beings. If there are already infections at the level of human beings, it would be necessary to deepen the investigations, to make analyzes. Several departments are involved: the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Fisheries, the Ministry of Higher Education,

But already, the foreign affairs officer of the National Federation of Fishermen and Artisans of Guinea has suspicions. “Suspicion at the level of artisanal fishing, we point the finger at large vessels that can dump toxic waste at sea. When they do, the area can be infected with chemical waste. The State must get involved quickly to find a solution so that fishermen are not afraid to go to the high seas to fish. Which could lead to a fish crisis on the market, ”he says.
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https://guineematin.com/2023/04/13/c...-en-haute-mer/

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Health Alert: Guinean fishermen catch a strange disease...

Posted on April 13, 2023 by admin2

This is a very serious alert! Guinean fishermen have caught a very strange disease on the high seas. The nature and origin of this pathology remain a mystery for the moment. To date, more than 50 fishermen have caught this disease, the origin of which has not yet been determined by health specialists. The number could increase.

According to the government spokesman, it was on April 12 that these fishermen returning from the high seas showed signs of rash with burns on the mouth, genitals and hands.

“They are more than 50 people concerned. The number could increase. People are in intervention at the Donka hospital. They are supported by the authorities to examine and understand the origin of the phenomenon.

We are not located on the origin of the disease. But they all have in common, the fact of having used water while they were at sea. It is this water that they used either to wash themselves, to clean their face or their genitals.

In-depth blood samples and examinations are taking place at Donka Hospital. Maritime security services are being deployed to understand their journey so that useful decisions can be taken and reassure compatriots.

It is also an opportunity to inform people who are affected by this situation to come to the Donka hospital so that there is care so that, in the event that it is a contagious phenomenon, that we can make arrangements.

For the moment, we have no indication if it contaminates from one person to another , “explained Ousmane Gaoual Diallo, government spokesperson.

https://netafrique.net/alerte-sante-...range-maladie/

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Conakry landing stages: fishermen hit by a mysterious illness

REDACTION.WEB@FIMGUINEE.COM
APRIL 13, 2023 12:55 P.M.

For about three days, fishermen from different fishing ports in Conakry have been returning from the high seas with cases of illness of unknown origin. Having gone to the usual fishing grounds in search of fish, they seem to have found poison.

According to the victims, interviewed by the FIM FM reporter, the high seas are affected by toxic substances. Fishermen bear the scars of what happened to them on the high seas: burns to their necks and lips, and even to their genitals. Among them, there are some who cannot walk properly.

According to our information, the Bonfi landing stage recorded 35 cases, that of Gbessia port has 104 cases. We learn that the other Conakry landing stages are also affected by these cases of mysterious illnesses.

We will come back!

Sory Kandja Bangoura

https://fimguinee.com/actualite/deba...ie-mysterieuse


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See also:

Senegal - Media: 1,000 fishermen ill with unknown dermatological disease - 2020+ - marine toxin suspected

https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum/...oxin-suspected

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Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy Guinea
17 h

Skin rash seen in about fifty fishermen: MPEM at the bedside of the victims.

On Wednesday, April 12, 2023, the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy was informed of cases of acute burns that affected fishermen from the Port of Bonfi and Gbessia Port 1 in Conakry.

All MPEM’s technical services have been mobilized on the sites to understand and assess the situation, identify the victims and carry out rapid management in order to identify and prevent possible cases of aggravation.

In the afternoon of this Thursday, April 13, 2023, The Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy and her counterpart of Health and Public Hygiene visited the University Hospital of Donka to provide support to fishermen admitted to this hospital at the expense of the Government of Transition.

According to fishermen interviewed it is in contact with seawater that they contracted these infections. In the early morning, they would also have noticed the presence of a yellowish layer of oil on the surface of the water and all those who were in contact with this water developed these rashes on their bodies that began with itching and then wounds that expand either on the face, the mouth, intimate parts or any other part of the body affected by the water”.

For a rapid and appropriate response, an inter-ministerial committee was set up including the Ministers of Fisheries, Environment, Mines, Higher Education and Health with the logistical support of the Defence and Security Forces.
We’ll get back to it!


Primature of the Republic of Guinea
Presidency of the Republic of Guinea
✍️ Communication and Public Relations.

https://www.facebook.com/pecheguinee/?locale=fr_FR

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Mysterious disease of fishermen in Conakry: Ousmane Gaoual speaks about the symptoms and the ongoing investigations

Published By: Magnafing Doré On: Friday, April 14, 2023 At 3:15 P.M.

For the past few days, fishermen from the ports of Gbessia and Bonfi have been suffering from a severe infection accompanied by burns and itching. A disease of which the doctors of the Donka national hospital, where they were admitted, still do not know the name and the cause. Invited this Friday, April 14 by our colleagues from Espace FM, the minister spokesperson for the government provided details on this disease which worries the population.

According to Ousmane Gaoual Diallo, the cause of this disease is not yet known. He specifies that more than 40 people are followed and taken care of by the Minister of Fisheries and that of Health at the Donka hospital.

“It was at the beginning of the week that we started to register the arrival of patients who had burns and itching. Burns on the face, on the arms and even on the genitals. At least 50 people have been consulted and most of them are in outpatient follow-up and some are being cared for at Donka Hospital. As soon as the number increased, arrangements were made by the Minister of Fisheries and the Minister of Health for the care of these patients. A ministerial crisis management council has been set up under the chairmanship of the head of government. Laboratories were mobilized for the analyses,” he explained.

Continuing his intervention, he affirms that this infection is perhaps due to the toxic waste discharged by boats.

“We learn that it may be a boat that has released some toxic products into the sea, etc. For the moment, no boat has been apprehended, but the search is in progress. The maritime gendarmerie is also mobilized to try to follow all the information and trace the problem. What is certain is that there is no contagion from person to person. Infected people are those who have been in direct contact with the liquid and who have felt these burns a few days later. In any case, the arrangements are made and are being readjusted every time new information comes back. Everything is being done to control the phenomenon. Then, medical and safety investigations are underway to understand the origin of the phenomenon and take appropriate measures,” he said.

In addition, Fodé Idrissa Kallo, Secretary of External Affairs of the Federation of Guinean Fishermen, said: “There were eight (8) boats from Bonfi and five (5) from Gbessia port that came back and everyone complained. Some were even hit in their private parts. They reported the problem and the dock authorities reported the information to the ministry. We went there to find out the facts. A total of 53 people were registered and taken to hospital at the minister's request. Among these 53 people, 25 were in serious condition, 4 remained in hospital and the others are under observation. This morning, two cases were reported at the port of Boulbinet. According to one of the fishermen, they saw a ship dumping something at sea. They don't know what it is, but it changed the color of the water. They say that even if you don't touch the water, the sheer heat it gives off can infect you.”

https://guineenews.org/mysterieuse-maladie-des-pecheurs-a-conakry-ousmane-gaoual-sexprime-sur-les-symptomes-et-les-enquetes-en-cours/

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Fishermen hospitalized after exposure to unknown chemical on the high seas

BY ADAMA HAWA BAH April 15, 2023 at 6:44 PM

Since Thursday, April 13, several deep-sea fishermen have been victims of 2nd and 3rd degree burns, itching and other skin lesions. The head of plastic surgery and severe burns at Donka Hospital, Karamba Kaba, explained that these lesions were caused by a corrosive chemical substance, the nature of which is currently unknown.

The fishermen, he says, have been in contact with this substance during their work at sea: " For the past few days, we have been invaded by a large number of patients who come for rashes, lesions on the skin because they have been in contact with a chemical substance whose nature we do not know at the moment. These lesions are types of 2nd and 3rd degree burns, they affect the upper limbs, the external genitalia and the mouth, especially in fishermen who pull nets by mouth. For the moment, we have concluded a diagnosis of a chemical burn of corrosive origin. We are currently continuing our investigations in various laboratories to determine what it is. »

In three days, the plastic surgery and major burns department received 51 patients, five of whom were hospitalized due to serious skin lesions. Patients with minor injuries are treated and sent home.

Naby Camara, a fisherman residing in Kassa, explained how the symptoms appeared in him and his colleagues at sea. They began to feel itching and swelling, especially in the mouth, after coming into contact with the substance. chemical: “ I had been at sea with four colleagues since Tuesday morning, and it was on Wednesday evening that the symptoms began to appear. My mouth got itchy after rubbing it, and it quickly got all swollen. I couldn't even swallow anything, and then I developed pimples and it got worse. Since yesterday we have been taken care of here in Donka and things are much better. »

Dr. Karamba Kaba advises fishermen to be careful and avoid the area where they have noticed a yellowish tide lying on the surface of the waters. He also recommends that they avoid catching dead fish, which is bound to be contaminated. The Ministry of Fisheries, Environment and Health is currently investigating the cause of these skin lesions in fishermen.

" We can't tell them not to go fishing because it's their livelihood, but it's important to be careful and avoid the area where they saw this yellowish tide lying on the surface of the water. . They must also avoid catching dead fish, which are necessarily contaminated. The Ministry of Fisheries, the Environment and the Ministry of Health are actively involved in determining the causes of these skin lesions ,” he concluded.

https://www.guinee360.com/15/04/2023...-en-haute-mer/

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What do we know about the mysterious spots on the skin of Guinean fishermen?

More than 115 fishermen are affected by this mysterious disease.

Author,Boubacar Diallo
Role,BBC Africa, Conackry
April 17, 2023

Attention ! Some images are shocking.

In Guinea, many fishermen have visited health services complaining of skin rashes and burns.

Since the first cases reported last week, other artisanal fishermen have come to authorities with apparent burns on their skin.

Health authorities are hard at work administering appropriate care to those affected.

What do we know?

The number of victims has increased significantly in the treatment center. The plastic surgery department of the University Hospital of Donka, located in the suburbs of the capital Conakry, treats these sinners.

There are, according to the doctors of this service, about 88 registered patients. On Sunday April 16, other fishermen came to this service. They are affiliated with the fishing ports of Bonfi and Gbessia, two of Conakry's major ports.

Support is done gradually. Fishermen whose bodily injuries require specialized interventions have been hospitalized. However, those who show less worrying signs are placed, for the moment, under medical supervision.

According to a doctor based on an island 50 km from Conakry, 7 other sick fishermen presented themselves to the island's health service. However, they refuse to join the appropriate care center located in Conakry. This makes the health authorities believe that there are patients who remain hidden.

Research and awareness campaigns are underway to make them aware that their lives are potentially in danger.

According to Dr. Karamba Kaba, the head of the plastic surgery and severe burns department in which patients are cared for, fishermen are victims of second and third degree burns. These burns and rashes are caused, according to him, by substances unknown at the moment, but he rules out bacterial sources for the moment.

What measures have the Guinean authorities taken?

The Ministry of Health and the service of the Ministry of Fisheries in charge of health security have already taken blood samples. They also collected water samples from the targeted sea area for chemical and biomedical examinations. An interministerial crisis committee has been set up to follow the case closely.

For the moment, the risk of contagion has been ruled out by the health authorities.

Are the fish caught by sick fishermen safe?

So far, no official information ruling out any danger of their consumption is known. Samples were taken for analysis.

However, these fish products are already found in the markets.

The sick fishermen said that weeks ago they started noticing rashes that they thought were saltwater allergies. Meaning they continued fishing and transporting their fish to market. Which could be another danger.

Artisanal fishing, crucial for the local economy

Artisanal fishing in Guinea is one of the main suppliers of the local fish market.

Since they heard about this disease, many fishermen are afraid to go to sea. They say they do not know if the incriminated liquid is not found in other fishing areas.

This means that the price of fish is already starting to skyrocket and its scarcity is starting to be felt in some markets in the capital.

https://www.bbc.com/afrique/articles/c0j7j8x0d20o

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In Conakry, a hundred fishermen treated for burns whose cause remains to be determined

Published on :18/04/2023 - 10:57

Text by:
RFI

In Guinea, more than a hundred artisanal fishermen have been treated in recent days in Conakry for burns, the cause of which remains to be determined. " It's not a contagious disease ," warns Dr. Karamba Kaba, head of the burns department at Donka Hospital. Reporting.

With our correspondent in Conakry, Matthias Raynal

Since last week, more than a hundred artisanal fishermen have been treated in Conakry for burns, very painful skin lesions that would have reached them on the high seas. The Guinean authorities quickly set up an interministerial crisis unit. Samples were sent to laboratories in the capital to determine the cause of these burns.

Patients are cared for at Donka Hospital. There is thus a long queue in front of the treatment room. Dr. Karamba Kaba is the head of the burns department at Donka Hospital. “ He has just been hospitalized , he explains about one of the fishermen . He was put on a urinary catheter because his genitals were seriously damaged .”

“ We are sure it is a chemical burn ”

Nurses are doing first aid for milder cases. All treatments are free. " We will first see the wound and disinfect and then cover to avoid infections ", warns Zeneb Diallo. This specialist nurse puts on her surgical gloves. His patient comes from Sierra Leone, like the majority of the fishermen who are taken care of that day: “ I will first try to wash a little. The young man has lesions in the private parts. It is very painful. “ Pardon, sorry ”, slips Zeneb Diallo to him.

Doctor Karamba Kaba is optimistic. For now, these second and third degree burns can be treated very well: “ It's not a contagious disease. No way. Because what we read on social media that there is a " mysterious disease that has appeared ". People need to be reassured. We are sure that it is a chemical burn, that it is a burn by contact with a corrosive body. »

A blood test is performed for each patient. A follow-up over several weeks is planned.

https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20230418-%C3%A0-conakry-une-centaine-de-p%C3%AAcheurs-soign%C3%A9s-pour-des-br%C3%BBlures-dont-la-cause-reste-%C3%A0-d%C3%A9terminer

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PRESS RELEASE – Cases of skin rashes in fishermen


April 20, 2023


Press release – Cases of skin rashes in fishermen

Conakry, April 20, 2023 – Cases of rashes have been recorded among artisanal fishermen working off Conakry since April 12, 2023.

Faced with this strange phenomenon, the Government has set up an inter-ministerial crisis management commission made up of representatives of the ministries in charge of the environment, fisheries, health, transport, mines and the Maritime Prefecture.

All health structures in the capital are on alert for the care of patients and their transfer to the Donka national hospital if necessary.
Multidisciplinary teams from the health services and the Ministry of Fisheries carried out information and awareness-raising missions on the various landing stages affected on the coast.

A committee of scientists made up of representatives of the National Center for Fisheries Sciences of Boussoura (CNSHB), the National Office for Sanitary Control of Fishery and Aquaculture Products, the Center for Environmental Studies and Research, the Center Rogbanet's Oceanographic Research Center (CERESCOR), takes samples of seawater from suspected areas for analysis. To date, these samples are in laboratories in Guinea and abroad.

While awaiting the results of the analyses, the Government invites fishermen to exercise caution and to avoid fishing areas with a compact ochre-coloured water table.

The Government assures the population that the analyzes carried out on the fishing products landed by the fishermen who suffered burns on the skin have not revealed any risk for consumption. However, health checks of landed products will be followed at all landing sites.

The Government invites all players in the maritime sector, fishermen, shipowners, mining companies, decentralized State services, Defense and Security Forces to be more vigilant and to share all useful information with the following contacts:

Ministry of Health: 622575746/622425316
Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development: 622498203
Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy: 622 37 28 81

The Minister Spokesperson of the Government
Ousmane Gaoual DIALLO

https://gouvernement.gov.gn/communique-de-presse-cas-deruptions-cutanees-chez-les-pecheurs/

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Guinea: a health crisis unit after the mysterious burns suffered by fishermen

APRIL 26, 2023
Updated
April 26, 2023 at 11:14 am
by Anaïs Furtade A. Bah, L. Bellon

The mystery still remains after more than 264 artisanal fishermen have returned from the high seas in recent days with severe burns to their faces and genitals. Doctors believe that it could be the consequences of chemical spills off the country. An interministerial crisis unit has been set up.

Video (in French):

https://afrique.tv5monde.com/information/guinee-une-cellule-de-crise-sanitaire-apres-les-mysterieuses-brulures-subies-par-des

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 17: 17-23 April 2023
Data as reported by: 17:00; 23 April 2023
...
All events currently being monitored by WHO AFRO
...
Guinea

Skin injury from unknown chemical exposure Ungraded

Date notified to WCO 19-Apr-23
Start of reporting period 12-Apr-23
End of reporting period 21-Apr-23

Total cases 250
Cases Confirmed 250
Deaths 0
CFR 0.0%

On 7 April 2023, about 270 kilometers off the west coast of Conakry, several fishermen, including Guineans, Sierra Leoneans, Liberians and Ghanaians, were exposed to an unknown chemical. According to the fishermen, a boat was seen dumping a product into the open sea. The product emitted a fizzy, pungent cloud and left a yellowish substance on the surface of the water. As of 21 April, 250 cases of burns, including 0 deaths, have been reported among fishermen only. The cases were reported in the Conakry (240 cases, 96%) and Kindia (10 cases, 4%) regions. On 21 April alone, 26 new cases were reported. Only six cases were severe enough to require hospitalization. Investigations are ongoing to identify the chemical product involved.

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/367270/OEW17-1723042023.pdf

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In Guinea, fishermen suffering from a mysterious skin disease

Published on :05/03/2023 - 11:02

Text by: Sarah Sakho
|
What happened to these fishermen in Guinea? A number of them were hospitalized with a mysterious skin disease causing rashes and burns up to third degree. A chemical agent spilled on the high seas could be the cause. The authorities, who have opened an investigation, want to be reassuring. Report by Sarah Sakho and Malick Diakité.

Fishing industry players are worried in Guinea , after fishermen were hospitalized with a mysterious skin disease causing cases of skin rashes, with burns up to third degree.

Kouessi has not left his room since his return from fishing two weeks ago. His hands, face and genitals bear severe burns that prevent him from standing up. "After work, I took a little sea water like that (he points) to clean my face, hands and private parts. The next day, I noticed these burns on my body'", he says.

For the past month, nearly 300 artisanal fishermen have suffered from similar burns. All contracted them in contact with sea water while they were offshore.

Donka National Hospital in Conakry provides free treatment to fishermen. Dr. Karamba Kaba is part of the commission charged by the authorities to determine the cause of these wounds. He explains: "It's a burn, like an ordinary burn, by hot water. The only specificity is that it's a chemical agent whose nature we still don't know. Otherwise, it's not a disease, it's not a virus, it's not contagious.”

Many assume that ships have dumped toxic products on the high seas. Samples are being analyzed by laboratories in the Guinean capital, according to authorities.

At the artisanal fishing port of Boulbinet, the illness of the fishermen is already having consequences. "Currently, we sell very little," says Tiko Kourouma, saleswoman. "It's difficult to get fish. Fishermen are afraid to go to sea."

In November 2020, Senegalese fishermen had been affected by an unknown disease which gave almost the same symptoms. The origin of the chemical in question had not been determined either.

https://www.france24.com/fr/afrique/20230503-en-guin%C3%A9e-des-p%C3%AAcheurs-atteints-d-une-myst%C3%A9rieuse-maladie-de-la-peau

[Emily]

There's a lot of new mining in Guinea that's increased industrial shipping.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/on-frontier-of-new-gold-rush-quest-for-coveted-ev-metals-yields-misery/ar-AA1aqbsM

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Mysterious disease of fishermen in Conakry: "the scarcity of fish is already felt in our landing stage" (responsible)

For nearly a month, a mysterious skin disease, causing skin rashes and skin burns, has taken hold of artisanal fishermen at several landing sites in Conakry. This infection, the nature of which has not yet been elucidated, would be caused, according to the authorities, by the toxic waste discharged into the high seas by the boats. But, since its appearance in the marine environment at the beginning of last April, this mysterious skin disease continues to claim victims. Better still, this disastrous situation leads to the scarcity of fish products, especially fish.

Met yesterday, Friday May 5, 2023, by a reporting team from Guineematin.com, Aboubacar Aboly Koumbassa, the municipal director of the Kaloum maritime navigation agency, returned to the evolution of the disease at the fishing port of Boulbinet. He also confides that several canoes are currently stationed because of this infection.

“Since the appearance of this disease, the various services operating at the fishing port here have been active and are managing the situation very well. As soon as there is a case, we immediately call on the competent service at Donka Hospital. Suddenly, they send an ambulance which picks up the patient(s) for their treatment at the University Hospital of Donka. Even this morning we had cases that have just been sent to the hospital. Currently, there is another one who has just found us for the same situation. He is there waiting for the ambulance. After the party, it's the first time we've had cases. This morning, we received 7 and it is the 8th who is waiting for the ambulance like that outside.

Since the onset of the disease, there has indeed been panic among fishermen, because there are fishermen who today are afraid to go to sea at the risk of catching the disease. That's why you will find that there are a lot of canoes that are stationed here, that don't go out to sea. And, that has an impact on the market; because the scarcity of fish is already being felt in our landing stage here,” he revealed.

However, Aboubacar Aboly Koumbassa regrets the fact that despite the efforts made by the State and the technical services, the infection continues unabated in certain landing stages in Conakry, as is the case at the port of Boulbinet.

“Each time we have meetings between us competent services to see to what extent we can definitely find a solution to this. The technicians went to sea, they brought back a sample of the contaminated water for study purposes, but so far it continues,” he said.

Sitting waiting for an ambulance for his care at the CHU Donka, Joseph Cissé, returning from the sea, shows signs of burns on his lower and upper lips and on his genitals. With his face uncovered, he explains the circumstances in which he too caught this disease of unknown origin.

“I had gone to sea to fish. Arrival, I threw the net in the water. But, there's a part of the water in the open sea that looks like the color of gasoline, it looks like it's the gasoline that was poured into the area. Some time later, I decided to take the net back into the water. It was while pulling the net towards me that I was sprayed with drops of water in my face, in my mouth, but also between my legs. That's what burned me like this. I am injured even in the genital area; and it hurts me. That's why I came to inform the port office, they told me to wait, that they called the hospital and that a paramedic would be on the way to pick me up, "said this Guinea-Sierra Leonean.

Since the onset of the disease, no case of death has been recorded at the fishing port of Boulbinet, according to officials.



Malick DIAKITE for Guineematin.com
...
Guineematin.com
PUBLISHED BY :
GUINEEMATIN.COM
MAY 6, 2023

https://guineematin.com/2023/05/06/mysterieuse-maladie-des-pecheurs-a-conakry-la-rarete-du-poisson-se-fait-deja-sentir-dans-notre-debarcadere-responsable/

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Guinea: fishermen victims of chemical burns to the face and genitals

BY MAMADOU SAIDOU DIALLO March 21, 2024 at 2:49 p.m.

For several days now, artisanal fishermen have suffered burns after being in contact with a chemical product on the high seas. According to our information, they were transported to Donka hospital to receive treatment.

The Ministry of Health draws up an assessment of 9 people [12 according to the National Union of Artisanal Fishermen] including “Sierra Leoneans” and/or “Ghanaians” coming from the port of Boulbinet in Kaloum. They were evacuated to Donka hospital where they are receiving free care, said the head of the plastic surgery and burn treatment department, Dr Karamba Kaba.

“At the moment their condition is stable. There is no life danger. We hospitalized 5 of whom 4 were placed in outpatient care. This is not the time to panic, we have already encountered the same phenomenon, the same lesions last year. It is direct contact with contaminated seawater that causes burns to the face and external genitalia. We have the necessary experience in this area. We have a well-defined protocol for this type of situation, and that is what we have implemented. The Minister of Health gave firm instructions regarding the care of victims. Thus, food, treatment and accommodation are completely free,” he reassured.

The Minister of Health, Oumar Diouhé Bah and his Fisheries counterpart, Fatima Camara were at the victims' bedsides at Donka hospital.

In April 2023 , around twenty fishermen were also victims of serious skin burns.

https://www.guinee360.com/21/03/2024/guinee-des-pecheurs-victimes-de-brulures-chimiques-au-niveau-du-visage-et-des-organes-genitaux/

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Conakry: The concern of fishermen over the resurgence of chemical burns...

CONAKRY- Concern has been growing among some Guinean artisanal fishermen since the Ministry of Fisheries announced the reappearance of chemical burns. Ten cases have already been declared among fishermen, including 2 who are still hospitalized as of March 20, 2024.

Since the announcement of this news, there has been concern in the various artisanal ports of Conakry. Fishermen fear a wave similar to last year. In addition to these burns and skin rashes, there is another worry: the pollution of sea water.

Fishermen and port managers met this Thursday, March 21, 2024 denounce the lack of will of the Guinean authorities to face this problem.

“ We were informed through yesterday's newspaper that fishermen are victims of chemical burns. We wonder, because the authorities in charge of fishing had announced the end of pollution on the high seas. Imagine, we have not finished coming out of the harmful consequences of last year's situation and the crisis of fuel, if we are told about a new wave, it is worrying.

This is a very serious phenomenon for us artisanal fishermen because we are forced to go to the high seas to get quality fish. Last year, most of us had burns even on our private parts. The State had announced that measures were being taken to put an end to it, but what was done? » asks Mamadouba Sylla, fisherman.

Lest the numbers reach those of the first wave, Ousmane Bangoura, responsible for the youth of the artisanal port of Nongo and owner of several canoes, is calling on the Guinean state to take its responsibilities.

“ This whole problem is boats dumping waste at sea. I swear to you that if we made the right decisions at the time, we would have finished with this. I will tell you that our outgoing Minister knew nothing about fishing because she did not solve any problems here. We hope that the one who came will be up to the task of dealing with our problems like the case of these burns. Beyond this disease, we have other worrying problems such as: the high cost of fishing equipment, the lack of fishing space and many others ,” explains this manager of the Nongo artisanal port.

In April 2023, around fifty Guinean fishermen were victims of this mysterious skin disease causing cases of skin rashes. The then Minister of Justice Alphonse Charles Wright had given injunctions to the CRIEF to initiate proceedings for “alleged acts of marine pollution having led to skin rashes among artisanal fishermen and environmental damage to the detriment of the State Guinean government against suspected ore vessels, natural or legal persons who own, use or are responsible for said vessels.”

But since this announcement, we still do not know at what level the development of the case with the Guinean justice system is located.

Sayon Camara

For Africaguinee.com

Created on March 21, 2024 4:51 p.m.

https://www.africaguinee.com/conakry-linquietude-des-pecheurs-face-a-la-resurgence-des-brulures-chimiques/

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Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene Guinea
6d ·

MSHP/DONKA: Dr Oumar Diouhé BAH and Mrs Fatima CAMARA at the bedside of fishermen victims of chemical burns

This Wednesday, March 20, 2024, the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene and his counterpart from Fisheries and Maritime Economy visited the fishermen victims of chemical burns transported yesterday to the Donka national hospital.

Dr Oumar Diouhé BAH and Mrs Fatima CAMARA came to inquire about their condition and convey to them the message of support from the Head of State,Lieutenant General Mamadi DOUMBOUYA and the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Mr. Amadou Oury BAH.

At the end of this visit, the Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery and Major Burns stressed that on the instructions of the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, the 9 victims of Sierra Leonean and Ghanaian origins were taken free of charge.

According to Dr Karamba KABA, these fishermen were victims of chemical burns. “For the moment their condition is stable. There is no life danger. We hospitalized 5 and 4 were placed on an outpatient basis. This is no place to panic, we had the same phenomenon, the same legions last year. It is direct contact with contaminated sea water that causes burns to the face and external genitalia. We have the necessary experience in this area. We have a well-defined protocol for this chemical case. And that's what we implemented. The Minister of Health and Public Hygiene gave firm instructions regarding the care of the victims. So, food, treatment, accommodation, everything is free,” reassured the Head of the Plastic Surgery and Severe Burns Department.

It should be remembered that last year around twenty fishermen were also victims of serious skin burns. These patients had been treated free of charge by the Donka national hospital, on instructions from the Government.

Communication and Public Relations Department

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