As soon as the rains start, reports of snakes coming out and biting people start coming from many states of the country. Recently, in Gumla district of Jharkhand, 83 people became victims of snake bites in just 125 days. This is the data of only one district, but from this it can be estimated how serious this problem becomes during monsoon.
Farmers working in the fields, people living in forests and villages, even people sleeping in homes become victims of snake bites. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India is among the countries in the world where the highest number of cases of snake bites are reported. Every year lakhs of people are bitten by snakes and thousands of people lose their lives. This is not only a matter related to wildlife, but is also a big public health challenge for India.
Delay leads to death
The most worrying thing is that many deaths due to snake bites occur due to not getting timely treatment. Experts say that the sooner a patient reaches the hospital after being bitten by a poisonous snake, the greater his chances of survival. But even today in rural areas many people resort to exorcism, tantra-mantra or home remedies, due to which the treatment gets delayed.
Danger is greater during rainy season
During the rainy season, snakes’ holes get filled with water, so they come out towards houses, fields and settlements in search of dry places. This is the reason why most incidents of snake bites are recorded between June and September. WHO says that a large number of deaths can be prevented with proper treatment, timely anti-venom and awareness.
Big figures at a glance-
- Every year around 54 lakh people are bitten by snakes in the world.
- In these 18 to 27 lakh cases, the poison spreads in the body.
- Every year 81 thousand to 1.38 lakh people die.
- About 4 lakh people face permanent disability or serious health problems.
- It is estimated that about 10 to 15 lakh people get bitten by snakes every year in India.
- In India, about 58 thousand deaths are estimated to occur due to snake bites every year.
- Most of the cases are reported from June to September i.e. during monsoon.
Snake bite cases in India (Ian Waldie/Getty Images)
How many people are bitten by snakes every day in India?
According to WHO and different research, about 10 to 15 lakh people are bitten by snakes every year in India. This means that on an average about 2,700 to 4,000 people become victims of snake bites every day. Although snakes are not poisonous in all cases, a large number of patients require anti-venom. In India, it affects people living in rural areas the most.
Talking about the world, every year about 54 lakh people are bitten by snakes, out of which in 18 to 27 lakh cases the poison spreads in the body. About 81 thousand to 1.38 lakh people die every year due to this, while about 4 lakh people face permanent disability or serious health problems. The situation is serious in India too, where about 58 thousand people die every year due to snake bites.
The case of Gumla district came to light
The case of Gumla district has recently come to light, after which it is being told that currently 1,380 Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) vials are available in Gumla district. Of these, maximum 595 vials have been kept in District Hospital Gumla. Apart from this, adequate stock is also available in the health centers of Palkot, Bishnupur, Bharno, Basia, Sisai, Kamdara, Raidih, Ghaghra, Chainpur and Dumri.
Civil Surgeon Dr. Shambhunath Chaudhary has instructed all health centers to remain alert in view of the increasing cases of snakebite in monsoon. He has appealed to the people to immediately reach the nearest hospital instead of using exorcism or home remedies in case of snake bite, because the patient’s life can be saved by getting anti-snake venom on time.
Anti-venom is available in the country
Farmers living in rural areas, farm labourers, shepherds, people working in forest and forest areas, people working in fields during the rainy season, people sleeping on the ground and children are most at risk of snake bites. It is said that poisonous snakes like krait often enter houses at night, due to which accidents increase.
Hundreds of species of snakes are found in India, but only four venomous snakes – Indian Cobra, Common Krait, Russell’s Viper and Saw-scaled Viper – are responsible for most of the serious incidents and deaths due to snake bites. These are called ‘Big Four’ and the anti-venom available in the country is mainly prepared to neutralize the poison of these four snakes.
Caution on snake bite (Getty Image)
What to do and what not to do in case of snake bite
About 90% of poisonous snake bite cases in India are related to these four major species. Therefore, the anti-venom available in the country is mainly made to eliminate the effect of the poison of these snakes. The effect of their poison can spread rapidly on the body.
Therefore, after a snake bite, keep the patient calm, do not move the bitten part too much and reach the nearest hospital without delay. If possible, remember the cutting time. At the same time, do not resort to exorcism or tantra-mantra, do not make an incision on the wound, do not try to suck the poison and do not tie a cloth or rope too tightly on the affected part, because this can make the situation more serious.
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