The recent rise in snakebite from Russell’s viper in different districts of the country is a matter of considerable public concern. At least ten persons died from snakebite in the country in last six months, causing mounting panic among the people. The once near-extinct Russell’s viper has made a comeback recently in the area beyond the Barind region to Barishal, Patuakhali, Chandpur and even the outskirts of Dhaka.
According to media reports, a good number of people live near the basins of the Padma, Meghna and Jamuna rivers, including areas like Manikganj, Faridpur and Shariatpur. Locally known as Chandrabora or Ulubora, Russell’s viper is one of the most venomous snakes in the world.
Russell’s viper is known for its aggressive nature. When most snakes avoid human contact, Russell’s viper bites anyone if they feel threatened. Experts attribute the increase in Russell's viper sightings and incidents to the destruction of the food chain.
According to experts, the killing of natural predators such as fox, monitor lizard and mongoose has led to the rise in the snake population. The head of Russell’s viper is flat, triangular and distinct from its neck, adorned with dark brown irregular spots like moons all over its body. These features enable the venomous snake to camouflage easily in dry leaves or paddy fields.
The venom of Russell’s viper is hematotoxic, causing severe tissue damage. A bite results in immediate swelling and can lead to the destruction of various organs, including lungs and kidneys. Without prompt medical treatment, the affected organ can begin to rot within five minutes after snakebite.
The killing of natural predators such
as fox, monitor lizard and mongoose has led
to the rise in the
snake population.
Snakebite in our country is common and there is misconception that leads many people to go for dubious cure such as spraying the bite with gasoline, rather than seeking medical treatment. Around 4.03 lakh people are bitten by snakes in the country every year and 7,511 of them die of injuries, says a government study.
One-fourth of snakebite incidents in the country involves venomous snakes, which cause physical disabilities in 10.6 percent of the cases and mental disabilities in 1.9 percent. Males are 1.4 times more likely to be bitten by snakes than females, and rural areas account for 95 percent of snakebite victims.
Apart from human being, around 2,500 cows die due to snakebite in the country every year. Although snakebites and deaths are common, no anti-venom is produced locally.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), snakebite is an important public health issue in the country as it is the second most common cause of deaths during floods.
Although their usual habitats are mainly away from the human communities, natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes force them to come near human settlements.
Hospitals and clinics usually use anti-venom serum to provide life-saving treatment for snakebites. At present, the government is now importing such types of sterile medicines from abroad.
Currently, anti-venom is being provided to all district-level hospitals of the country but there is still a shortage of anti-venom at upazila levels. But still there is also a shortage of skilled health workers to use this medicine.
There is no alternative but to manufacture anti-venom serum locally as the lives of people could be saved from snakebite. Besides, physicians and health workers should be trained to treat the injured people.
The health ministry should provide anti-venom to all upazila health complexes. The local administration and agriculture officials should advise farmers to stay on guard when they work in their fields.
