Rajshahi, June 27 (V7N)- The venomous Russell's viper is increasingly being spotted in Rajshahi, from the Barind Tract to the Padma River's char areas, even in residential neighborhoods. Farmers are afraid to enter their fields due to the presence of these snakes. The number of snakebite victims is rising, and Rajshahi lacks a specific antivenom for Russell's viper bites, relying instead on a general antivenom for all snakebites.
 
Snake researchers and specialists assert that treatment for Russell's viper bites exists, and timely medical intervention can significantly reduce mortality risks. The Russell's viper is not the most venomous snake in the country, and recovery rates from its bites are higher than mortality rates.
 
According to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) data, in 2023, 213 snakebite patients were admitted, of which 164 recovered and 49 died, resulting in a recovery rate of 77%. By June 12, 2024, RMCH had admitted 59 snakebite patients, with 50 recovering and 9 dying, reflecting an 84% recovery rate.
 
In 2023, 50 people in Rajshahi were bitten by Russell's vipers, with 13 fatalities and 37 recoveries, yielding a 74% recovery rate.
 
Prompt Antivenom Administration Crucial
 
Associate Professor Abu Shaheen of the Rajshahi Medical College Hospital's Medicine Department has conducted research on Russell's vipers. He stated that although these snakes were abundant in the Barind region during the 1960s and 1970s, they disappeared from the 1980s until 2010, with the first Russell's viper bite case at RMCH occurring in 2013.
 
Shaheen explained that Russell's viper venom is hemotoxic, rapidly destroying tissue and impairing kidney function, leading to necrosis at the bite site. Approximately 60% of patients die due to kidney complications. Immediate antivenom administration is crucial after a bite.
 
"In our country, a single vaccine is used for three types of snakes, primarily an Indian vaccine with 70% efficacy. A region-specific vaccine could achieve 100% efficacy and reduce mortality rates," Shaheen believes.
 
Herpetologist Borhan Biswas Roman noted that Russell's vipers give birth between May and July, producing 6 to 90 offspring at a time. Their behavior differs somewhat from other venomous snakes like cobras. Russell's vipers are now found in Rajshahi's rivers and char areas due to floodwaters, making the region their habitat.
 
Antivenom Limited to Two Health Complexes
 
Despite the increasing number of Russell's viper bite cases, only two of Rajshahi's six upazila health complexes have antivenom: Tanore and Charghat. Consequently, patients must rush to RMCH for treatment.
 
Habibur Rahman from Godagari, who received treatment at RMCH, said, "I was bitten by a snake while working in the field and had to come to RMCH for treatment as there was no antivenom in Godagari."
 
Adequate Antivenom Supply
 
Dr. Shankar Kumar Biswas, acting head of RMCH's emergency department, said, "We have a polyvalent antivenom used nationwide for various venomous snake bites. Currently, we have over 2,000 doses, with more expected in a few days."
 
Rajshahi Civil Surgeon Dr. Abu Saeed Md. Faruk added, "We have antivenom in two upazilas and will supply the rest within a couple of days. RMCH also has an adequate antivenom stock, and we are ensuring upazilas are equipped to treat snakebite patients promptly."
 
Health Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen recently informed the media that the country has a sufficient supply of antivenom, and hospitals nationwide have been instructed to stock it. Antivenom is an agent that neutralizes the venom's effects.
 
According to the Directorate General of Health Services, 400,000 people suffered snakebites in 2023, with 7,500 fatalities, primarily from cobra and krait bites. However, specific data on Russell's viper bite fatalities were not available.

Details of Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii)

Description: The Russell's viper, scientifically known as Daboia russelii, is a highly venomous snake found predominantly in Southeast Asia, including the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia.

Physical Characteristics:

  • Size: Adults typically range from 1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet) in length, though some individuals can grow longer.
  • Coloration: They have a distinct pattern of dark brown or black oval spots on a light brown or tan background. These spots are outlined in white or yellow, creating a chain-like appearance down the length of the body.
  • Head: The head is triangular and distinct from the neck. It has a prominent ridge over the eyes and a noticeable dark band that runs from the eye to the corner of the mouth.
  • Scales: The scales are keeled, giving the snake a rough texture.

Habitat: Russell's vipers are adaptable and can be found in a variety of environments, including:

  • Grasslands
  • Farmlands
  • Scrub forests
  • Urban areas
  • Coastal lowlands

They prefer open, grassy areas and are often found in agricultural fields, which brings them into close contact with humans.

Behavior:

  • Nocturnal: Primarily active at night, though they can also be seen during the day.
  • Aggressive: Known for their irritable and aggressive behavior when threatened. They tend to hiss loudly and may strike repeatedly.
  • Diet: They feed on rodents, lizards, small birds, and other small animals, making them beneficial for controlling pest populations.

Reproduction:

  • Breeding: Russell's vipers are ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. The breeding season varies by region but often occurs during the monsoon season.
  • Litter Size: Females can give birth to a large number of offspring, ranging from 20 to 60 live young per litter.

Venom:

  • Composition: The venom is hemotoxic, affecting blood and tissues. It contains enzymes that cause blood coagulation, leading to clotting issues and tissue damage.
  • Symptoms: Envenomation can cause severe pain, swelling, bleeding, blistering, necrosis at the bite site, and systemic effects such as bleeding disorders, kidney failure, and cardiovascular issues.
  • Mortality: Without prompt and adequate medical treatment, bites can be fatal. However, with timely administration of the appropriate antivenom and supportive care, recovery rates are significantly improved.

Medical Treatment:

  • Antivenom: The primary treatment is the administration of polyvalent antivenom, which is effective against the venom of several common venomous snakes in the region. Supportive care includes managing symptoms and complications, such as renal failure and coagulopathy.
  • First Aid: Immediate measures include immobilizing the affected limb, keeping the victim calm and still, and seeking urgent medical attention.

Conservation Status: The Russell's viper is not currently listed as endangered, but its population is affected by habitat destruction and human conflict. It plays an important role in controlling rodent populations, which benefits agriculture.

Precautions:

  • Awareness: Being aware of their habitats and behaviors can help reduce the risk of encounters.
  • Protective Measures: Wearing protective footwear and using lights when walking in areas where vipers may be present can help prevent bites.
  • Education: Public education about the snake’s behavior, the importance of its ecological role, and proper first aid measures can mitigate fear and reduce the incidence of bites.

The Russell's viper is a significant species both ecologically and medically, requiring respect and caution due to its potent venom and aggressive nature.

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