Venomous Snakes In Hills

Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, which are endemic to the southern plains of Nepal, were once unheard of in the hilly and mountainous regions. However, with the rising temperatures, which have created favourable climatic and environmental conditions for mosquitoes to migrate to and even thrive in higher altitudes, these diseases are not only a common occurrence in hill stations but sometimes become outbreaks affecting a wide area and a significant population. 

Not only mosquitoes, but even deadlier species are making their way from the lowlands to the highlands: venomous snakes, according to a recent news report elaborately carried by this daily. What is even more worrisome is that these snakes are also starting to adapt themselves and settling in the regions. Health experts have warned that snake species, such as kraits, cobras, and Russell's vipers, once confined to warmer lowlands, are now being frequently spotted in higher altitudes, raising concerns about public health and need for preparedness. 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), out of 37,000 snakebites that are reported annually in Nepal, around 3,000 people succumb to the bites. Most of these bites happen in the Tarai plains. However, as the likelihood of snakebites and, in some cases, resulting deaths, have increased in the hilly parts, the situation should serve as a wake-up call to galvanise the health centres and institutions out of complacency.

This climate-driven emerging reality warrants improved healthcare access in hilly districts, where treatment for snakebites remains limited, if at all.   Nearly a year ago, The Guardian newspaper published the findings of a major research study on how climate change is pushing species to migrate to new locations, including a large-scale migration of venomous snake species into new regions and unprepared countries. 

The researchers of the study forecast that Nepal, Niger, Namibia, China, and Myanmar will gain the most venomous snake species from neighbouring countries under a heating climate. Low-income countries in South and South-East Asia, as well as parts of Africa, will be highly vulnerable to increased number of snake bites, according to the findings.

The study modelled the geographical distribution of 209 venomous snake species that are known to cause medical emergencies in humans to understand where different snake species might find favourable climatic conditions by 2070. As more land is converted for agriculture and livestock rearing, it destroys and fragments the natural habitats that snakes rely on. This makes snakebite a factor essentially related a human-animal-environment conflict. 

In light of this reality, only preparedness can keep us and our environment safe from deadly snakes. Awareness about the danger and urgency of treatment on the heels of snakebite, as well as adequate training for health workers at the local levels, goes a long way to ensure snakebite victims get the timely treatment they critically need. What's more, because the vast majority of deaths due to snakebite occur before the victims arrive at the hospital, awareness programme should instil the urgency of rushing them to the nearby hospital before it is too late. That said, prevention is always better than a cure. Keeping homes and surroundings clean, which keeps the prey of snakes, like rats and frogs, away, is essential. Children should also be dissuaded from playing in bushes. And avoiding walking outside at night significantly lowers the risk of such bites.