adminThe Herald, April 14, 1983
MONKEYING around with babies can be a dangerous business. An infant just 10-weeks-old, had its stomach ripped by a ferocious monkey near Middle Sabi last month, but thanks to the quick-witted mother and timely surgery, she lived.
A medical assistant at Chipinge District Hospital, who is also the anaesthetist, Mr Willie Mashava, has issued a warning to mothers not to leave their babies unattended where monkeys are known to be around.
Little Chikunda Munyokowere was sleeping peacefully under a tree in her mother’s vegetable garden on the banks of Sabi River when Mrs Munyokowere, who was cultivating nearby, heard the child crying.
As she approached the baby, she saw a monkey disappearing into the bush, and found to her horror, it had bitten her baby so badly that the small bowel had popped out.
She wrapped the child in a wet cloth, found a friend with a vehicle, and rushed to Chipinge Hospital about 40km away where the bowl was stitched quickly back into place.
Dr Peter Ainsworth, the medical officer for the hospital, said the baby made “terrific” progress and was discharged two weeks after the operation.”Luckily, the mother was a very good and sensible one.”
Although monkeys were not meat-eaters, the one that attacked little Chikunda “had made a pretty good pretence at being a carnivore”, he said.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
It is important for mothers and family members to collectively watch over babies or infants at all times. There are a lot of stories that have been written of babies that have died because no one was watching them.
In case of medical emergencies, it is important to seek assistance as quickly as possible, because it can make the difference between life and death. Medical experts note that the first hour (also known as the golden hour) is very critical to the victim’s survival.
In case of an accident, there is need for people assisting the victim not to panic, but to remain calm and rational so that they can make informed decisions.
Online Reporter