Rajshahi, Sept 14 (V7N) – Bashar, a 22-year-old local youth, was walking along the banks of the Padma River with friends on Saturday evening when he was suddenly bitten by a venomous snake emerging from the darkness. He was rushed to Rajshahi Medical College (RMCH) Hospital, but tragically, he passed away just one and a half hours after admission. The hospital corridors were filled with the sound of mourning.
 
Bashar’s case is not isolated. Between July and September 10, 351 snakebite patients were admitted to RMC in just 70 days, marking an unprecedented influx in the past 14 years. However, the mortality rate has decreased. Last year, ICU deaths among snakebite patients were 24 percent, but this year it has fallen to 14 percent, with doctors attributing the decline to increased awareness and timely treatment.
 
The Russell’s viper poses the greatest threat. Seven patients have been admitted to the ICU after being bitten by this snake this year, six of whom died. Doctors emphasize that prompt hospital care could prevent such fatalities.
 
Recently, 25-year-old Ariful Islam from Chapainawabganj was bitten while harvesting rice. Showing scars on his left hand, he said, “I had already killed two snakes before being bitten again. Fortunately, I went straight to the hospital; otherwise, I might not have survived.”
 
In contrast, Kustia resident Imon initially sought treatment at a local hospital and later from a traditional healer under family pressure. This delay worsened his condition, and he was eventually admitted to RMCH, where he recovered. His uncle, Mohammad Tuhin, said, “We didn’t trust the healer, so we brought him to the hospital. Now he is doing well.”
 
Russell’s viper sightings have caused major concern in the Padma-Yamuna char areas. Locals report finding five to seven dead vipers over the past ten days, with some entering homes. Farmers are being provided rubber boots in certain areas as a preventive measure. RMC Hospital provides free antivenom, but treatment costs for each patient average around Tk 30,000.
 
Shankar Kumar Biswas, RMC Hospital spokesperson, stated that among admitted patients, 270 were bitten by non-venomous snakes, while 81 suffered venomous bites, including six deaths caused solely by Russell’s viper.
 
RMC ICU in-charge, Abu Hena Mostofa Kamal, emphasized, “All fatalities occurred because patients arrived at the hospital too late. Immediate hospital care after a snakebite can save many lives.”
 
He urged the public: “To prevent fatalities, always wear boots when working in the fields and avoid relying on traditional healers. Seek hospital treatment immediately if bitten by a snake.”
 
END/MRA/SMA/