Russell Viper’s ‘Whistle of Death’, a silent killer in Nagpur district

 

 

The cases of snakebite are increasing day-by-day in Nagpur district as 21 snakebite cases has been reported in 26 days of October, so far, revealed a data provided by Wildlife Welfare Society, a Non Government Organisation here on Sunday. Russell Viper, which is one of the most poisonous snake in the world is responsible for the highest 12 number of venomous snakebites in district out of these 21 incidents in October, claimed the data. According to WWS, the Russell Viper, not just responsible for 12 snakebite cases in October, but also it is responsible for highest number of bites in September as well.

 

In September, 44 snakebite cases were registered under WWS in which 17 were by Russell Viper. Out of these 44 snakebite cases, five persons including a two-year-old girl died last month. Out of five deaths, three were due to Russell Viper and remaining took place after India Cobra’s bite. “Nagpur district witnessed the highest number of snakebite cases during monsoon every year. Whereas, out of 12 Russell Viper bite cases this month, all the 12 cases were took place with farmers or farm labourers in all talukas of the district,” Nitish Bhandakkar, Secretary, WWS told The Hitavada. “Russell Viper gives birth to around 20 live young snakes at a time and it grows very fast during monsoon period. Viper bites mainly takes place when heavy rains push snakes out of their burrows into human settlements and poorly lit areas, increasing the risk of accidental encounters,” said Bhandakkar.

 

After encountering with human, the response time of biting of a Russell Viper is some fraction of a second whereas the symptom of Viper bite is more than eight hours. A victim or their family get ample time to take him or her to hospital for treatment. However, many cases of treating of snakebite with black magic is also common and in such cases the majority of deaths happens, said Bhandakkar. Whereas, victims who sustained snakebite by Indian Cobra gets just 15 minutes time to see the symptoms. Similarly, Common Krait gives an hour of time to see symptoms after its bite, claimed the expert. He also informed that government hospitals and Primary Health Centres (PHC) mostly have anti-venom whereas victims should rush to government hospitals instead of going to private hospitals. Bhandakkar said, four snakebite victims are under treatment in different government hospitals in city. Rushing to hospital is the only way out to survive a snakebite.