Experts' tips on snakebite safety

Kathmandu/Gaur, Jun 1: Cases of snakebite are higher in between mid-May to mid-September with most of them reported from the Terai districts. 

According to Nepali Army (NA), they have treated a total of 522 cases of snakebites in between March 28 to April 26 at the 18 snakebite centres they operate across Terai districts.

The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) informed that there are 88 snakebite treatment centres, including the ones operated by NA, across the country.

“Snakebite treatment centres have been established on the basis of numbers of incidents reported from respective places. In places with snakebites common, there is a treatment centre nearby. The locals should be aware of such centres,” said Dr. Hemanta Chandra Ojha, chief at Zoonotic Section of the EDCD. “One must be careful about snake and their bites after rains, during flooding, at harvest time and at night and at places where snakes can be hiding. We recommend the use of torch or stick while walking at night and wearing long boots while working in the field,” said Dr. Ojha.

In Gaur, Rautahat, cases of snakebites have started increasing as snakes are coming out of holes due to heat but people remain negligent.

“Around five-seven cases of snakebites are arriving on a daily basis from different parts of the district for treatment,” said Pankaj Thakur of the emergency ward of Gaur Hospital.

According to Jha, the patients of snakebites are first kept under inspection for symptoms and injected with anti-snake venom for treatment.

Jha also informed that there wasn’t any shortage of anti-snake venom due to which the treatment has been continuing without disturbance. 

“A system has been formed to distribute anti-snake venom to the treatment centres on timely basis by evading shortage issues. Snakebite treatment is also free of cost. If a snakebite patient is transported to a nearby treatment centre soon, s/he is far more likely to survive,” said Dr. Ojha.

The National Guideline for Snakebite Management in Nepal states that the most common cause of snakebite related death in Nepal is delay in reaching hospital. 

“No time should be wasted in search of materials for providing first aid if not readily available. All means should be applied to transport the patients, as soon as possible, to the hospital or snakebite treatment centre, where facilities to administer anti-venom exist,” the guideline states.

It also states, “Rapid transport using motorcycle has been found to decrease mortality in Nepal. The victim is seated and held between driver and pillion rider.”

However, lack of awareness has been seen in several areas of Terai districts due to prevalence of social stigmas and it has led patients to be further serious. “Several individuals arrive at the hospital only after getting more serious by following traditional methods on snakebite treatment,” said Jha.

Experts urge that locals of Terai districts need to be made more aware on snakes to remain safe from bites. 

“Treatment of snakebite in several villages of Terai include cutting or biting oneself in the place of bite and applying manure or sindoor. Some are taken to shamans. These methods only worsen their condition,” said Dr. Ojha.

Locals are also found using methods like spraying petrol around the house to prevent snakes from entering. “Terai residents are engaged in agriculture. They have to work in the open field but they don’t use long boots and don’t use mosquito net while sleeping outdoors. There can be mouse and chicks around the house which can attract snakes. We are trying to make people aware of the ability to co-exist with snakes without harming one another,” said Dr. Ojha. The EDCD is said to be working on with organisations to create awareness videos on Terai languages like Maithili, Tharu and Bhojpuri. 

They also informed about generating awareness through Mithila Art.

Several individuals have also been found to be working as snake rescuers. They have been reaching villages, rescuing snakes and leaving them in the wild so that both the snakes and humans remain safe.

“We are also coordinating with government authorities related to animal and environment. Snakes play an important role in the natural eco-system and should be preserved alongside to prevent humans from their bite,” said Dr. Ojha. 

Since April 14, 2021, to April 13, 2022, a total of 21 individuals died of snakebites in Nepal, according to the data of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). The NDRRMA data also shows that two individuals died due to snakebite since April 14, 2022 until May 28, 2022.