SNAKE BITE

General: Snake bites are common in Bangladesh during the dry and wet seasons. Even
though there are approximately 3,700 species of snakes, only 15 percent of these species are
considered dangerous to humans, and only two major families are known to be poisonous.
Furthermore, just because a snake bite is poisonous does not necessarily mean it will cause
a human fatality. In Bangladesh King Cobra is the most venomous snake.

Nature of Common Snake:

• Biting is not a snake’s first response when it encounters a human. Snakes are timid
and docile. A smaller snake witnessing the arrival of a human will first attempt to flee,
so as to escape the perceived threat.
• Aside from biting, snakes may also try to hold still and go unseen, camouflaged with
their surroundings. If the human grabs the snake, it still may wait to bite until all other
options have been exhausted, such as:
o Hissing.
o Flailing around.
o Pretend strike

If the snake sees no other options for escape, it may choose to bite.

Why Do the Snake Attack Human:

• Usually, snake enter human houses or stores for two reason:
o Shelter
o Looking for food or catch prey.
• Snakes do not bite humans unprovoked. Their bites are usually the last resort for a
snake that feels threatened, whether the human intentionally invades a snake’s space
or not.
• Biting is also the snake’s best way to catch its food, and so snake bites on humans
often occur due to the snake confusing a hand for a meal.
• If anyone steps on a snake.

Snake Bite Symptoms:

• Most snakebites occur on the limbs.
• Typical symptoms of the bite from a nonvenomous snake are pain and scratches at
the site.
• Puncture marks on the wound. There will be two distinct punctures if the snake is
venomous.
• Usually, after a bite from a venomous snake, there is severe burning pain at the site
within 15 to 30 minutes. This can progress to swelling and bruising at the wound and
all the way up the arm or leg.
• Other signs and symptoms include nausea, labored breathing, and a general sense of
weakness, as well as an odd taste in the mouth.
First Aid
• Move beyond the snake's striking distance.
• Remain still and calm to help slow the spread of venom.
• Remove jewelry and tight clothing before you start to swell.
• Position yourself, if possible, so that the bite is at or below the level of your heart.
• Clean the wound with soap and water. Cover it with a clean, dry dressing.
• Mark the place with a marker and write the time of snake bite.

Caution:

• Don't use a tourniquet or apply ice.

• Don't cut the wound or attempt to remove the venom. It only happens in the
movies.
• Don't drink caffeine or alcohol, which could speed up your body's absorption of
venom.
• Don't try to capture the snake. Try to remember its color and shape so that you can
describe it, which will help in your treatment.
• If you have a smartphone with you and it won't delay, you’re getting help, take a
picture of the snake from a safe distance to help with identification.
Precaution:
• Keep your house and store clean.
• Remove any kind of food which may attract the snake who is looking for food.
• Remove any possible hide for snake. Filling up holes.
• Use protective boots or shoes with high neck to cover your foot.
• Avoid walking through dense brush and if you are moving be watchful.
• Be careful when stepping over a doorstep. Snakes like to crawl along the edge of
buildings where they are protected on one side.
• Avoid wandering around in the dark.
• Keep your yard and adjacent property mowed. Trim hedges and clear brush to
discourage snakes from taking up residence near your home.
• Educate children about snakes.