Kerala reports 19 snakebite deaths in a year; experts warn against panic and wrong treatment

Thrissur: Nineteen people have died due to snakebites in Kerala over the past year, officials said.

According to data from the Forest Department’s SARPA (Snake Awareness, Rescue and Protection App) project, over 74,000 snakes that entered human settlements since 2021 have been safely captured and relocated.

The authorities have also issued key safety guidelines to follow in case of a snakebite:

1. The victim should never be frightened. Panic can increase blood circulation, allowing the venom to spread faster in the body. Officials noted that nearly 70 per cent of snakes are non-venomous.
2. The affected person should not be allowed to walk. The bitten area must be kept still. Rings, watches, and tight clothing should be removed as swelling may occur.
3. Do not give water or food. The bite area should be gently washed with soap and water, and the victim must be taken to a hospital immediately.
4. The wound should never be cut open or sucked. In cases where the venom affects blood clotting, such actions can worsen bleeding and become life-threatening.
5. Time should not be wasted trying to identify the snake; the victim must be rushed to a hospital with antivenom availability.
6. The patient should never be taken to unverified or traditional treatment centres.

An eight-year-old boy died of a snakebite at his house near Kodaly in Thrissur district on Sunday. The deceased was identified as Aljo, son of Siljo.

His elder brother, Anosh (10), who was found with similar symptoms, is in critical condition and undergoing treatment at a private hospital. The children were sleeping beside their mother when the incident occurred.

According to family sources, the elder boy woke up at around 4 am and alerted his mother to uneasiness and stomach pain, after which both children were found unconscious.

They were rushed to a hospital, but Aljo was declared dead by doctors. However, hospital authorities raised doubts about a possible snakebite, prompting the family to inspect the house.

A snake, suspected of having bitten the children, was later spotted emerging from one of the rooms and was subsequently caught.