Snake infestation is increasing in floods, 93 people bitten by snakes in Chittagong in 7 days
Snake infestation is increasing in floods. 93 people have been bitten by snakes in different areas of Chittagong, which has been flooded by continuous rains and floods, in the last 7 days. According to doctors, this number is higher than any time in the past. However, no deaths have been reported so far due to prompt treatment in hospitals.
Hundreds of villages in different upazilas of Chittagong have been submerged in flood water for the last 6 to 7 days. During this time, 93 people injured in snake bites have been treated at Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Currently, 13 people are admitted to the hospital’s medicine ward number 16. All of them have been bitten by snakes on their legs and are suffering from severe pain due to the venom. There are also children among the admitted patients.
8 of the victims were bitten by green venomous snakes. The rest were bitten by venomous snakes like cobras and Russell’s vipers. The affected parts of many people’s legs have turned blue. However, no one died as they were taken to the hospital quickly.
Doctors said that although 93 people were treated in the last seven days, no sign of poisoning was found in any of them. However, the number of snakebite patients has increased significantly during this time compared to the past. They also fear that the number of snakebite patients will increase further after the floods. Dr. Abdullah Abu Sayeed, coordinator of the Antivenom Research Center at Chittagong Medical College Hospital, said that never before have so many patients been admitted to the hospital during this time of July. This time, the number of people and snakes has increased as the normal habitat of snakes has been submerged due to heavy rains and floods. Just as snakes are going to different places in search of safe shelter, people are also going to shelters or safe places. Therefore, he expressed concern that the incidence of snakebite may increase further after the flood waters recede. Meanwhile, experts have advised to exercise utmost caution while entering the house after the flood waters recede.
