AVOIDING AND MANAGING VENOMOUS SNAKE AND OTHER BITES OUTDOORS

Snakebites are a silent global health crisis, claiming an estimated 138,000 fatalities annually, of which 58,000 fatalities, the world's highest, are in India. India hosts over 60 venomous and 240 other snake species. Irula Cooperative Society of tribal snake handlers in Tamil Nadu supplies 80% of the venom for antivenom production in India, a major producer globally. The "Big Four" (not by size) venomous Indian snakes are the Russell's viper, saw-scaled viper, Indian cobra, and common krait. Snakes are captured, and venom is carefully extracted before they are released back into the wild. This venom is used to immunize animals like horses or sheep, and the antibodies from their blood are extracted and purified to create antivenom serum (AVS) for human use. These antivenoms are species-specific, costly, difficult to produce, and can provoke dangerous allergic reactions due to the presence of animal antigens. Polyvalent Antivenoms made for these "Big Four" do not cover other venomous species like the king cobra, banded Krait, and various pit vipers. Among the numerous Indian antivenom manufacturers, Haffkine Bio-Pharmaceutical Corporation also produces scorpion antivenom. Delayed access to antivenom, poor rural healthcare infrastructure, and transport contribute to a high morbidity (paralysis, bleeding disorders, kidney failure, and amputations) and mortality.

- DR P.S.VENKATESH RAO

SNAKES AND VENOM:

• Snake Venom is a potent mixture of seventy distinct toxins that can vary within a single species. These toxins belong to ten main protein classes, which attack in different ways. Venom composition can vary significantly even within the same snake species, depending on the geographical region.

• Haemotoxins of Russell's viper and saw-scaled viper destroy blood cells, disrupt clotting, and cause internal bleeding.

• Neurotoxins of Indian Cobra and Common Krait block nerves, leading to paralysis and respiratory failure.

• Cytotoxins in pit viper venoms dissolve tissue at the bite site.

• Indian sea snakes have myotoxic venom, which causes muscle paralysis.

• The monsoon season (June-September) sees a higher number of snakebite incidents because snakes are more active and come out more frequently.

• A nonvenomous snake bite can lead to bacterial infections if not treated. Handling reptiles and then touching your mouth or food without handwashing can transmit salmonella and other bacteria.

• There have been fatal attacks on children or small adults by large nonvenomous snakes like boas and pythons by wrapping around and squeezing them until they suffocate.

• Even a harmless snake can cause panic, leading to car crashes, falls, and heart attacks.

• Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Capturing, killing, or milking venomous species is prohibited in India.

SNAKEBITE PREVENTION STRATEGIES:

• Most snakes will not attack unless provoked. If you see a snake, avoid sudden movements, back away slowly, and let it retreat. Don't try to handle a snake, even if it appears dead.

• Stick to clear paths and avoid walking through dense vegetation or tall grass, and be cautious near water bodies. Be alert and spot snakes before you get too close.