Russell's viper is responsible for nearly half of the snakebites in India. But in Bangladesh, where it is known as Chandra Bora, it was thought to be a rare species for more than a century. That changed in 2013, however, when a flurry of snakebite cases, many of them fatal, began to be reported from agricultural fields. One of the most venomous snakes in the Indian subcontinent, Russell's viper population is now steadily increasing in many areas of Bangladesh. The snake's recent prevalence, particularly in southern and northern districts, is causing a major threat to human life. It is infamously called the 'killing machine' for its ferocious speed and lethal venom. It is considered one of the deadliest species among venomous snakes, as it can successfully transfer its venom to its victim in one sixteenth of a second.
Recently, this life-threatening snake has reportedly been found in at least 17 districts. Of them, Chapai Nawabganj and Rajshahi are the worst affected. Around 300 people reportedly died due to Russell's viper bite in the last 10 years. Since several cases of Russell's viper snakebite have recently been reported on the Padma river sandbanks, people there are now living in a state of fear. The snakebite victims have reportedly experienced symptoms like swelling at the site of the bite, bone and muscle pain from head-to-toe and vomiting. The bite is nasty and can become gangrenous if medical help is not given immediately. However, it is unfortunate that there are no enough anti-venom facilities in upazila-level hospitals to help provide medical treatment for Russell's viper bite. So, we urge the authorities concerned to address this issue seriously and equip upazila health complexes (UHCs) with anti-venom facilities so that snake-bitten patients can be treated there as quickly as possible.
Badsha Faysal,
Jurain, Dhaka,
badshafaysal1998@gmail.com
Make snakebite treatment available at UHCs
FE Team | Published: July 04, 2023 20:15:42
Make snakebite treatment available at UHCs
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