Rajshahi, July 14 (V7N)- Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) has treated 416 snakebite patients from January to date this year. Among them, 73 were bitten by venomous snakes, including 18 by Russell's vipers. Sadly, 11 patients succumbed to their bites, with five of these deaths caused by Russell's vipers. The recovery rate for snakebite victims stands at 70%.

These statistics were shared at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Health Directorate’s conference room in Mohakhali, Dhaka, focusing on increasing public awareness about Russell's vipers.

Professor Dr. Robed Amin, Line Director of the Non-Communicable Disease Control Branch, presented the key points.

Each year, over 400,000 people in Bangladesh suffer from snakebites, resulting in approximately 7,500 deaths. Recently, rumors about Russell's vipers have caused widespread panic. Snakebite is recognized as a critical public health issue in Bangladesh.

Along the Padma River, the hissing sounds of Russell's vipers can still be heard at night, creating fear among the residents. Farmers are now afraid to enter their fields to harvest crops.

On May 31, Hefzul Ali, a farmer from Meramatpur in Charghat Upazila, Rajshahi, was bitten on the jaw by a Russell's viper while working in his field. He killed the snake and took it with him to the hospital, where he was admitted within an hour and a half. After three days in the ICU, Hefzul is largely recovered but still suffers from physical weakness and jaw pain.

On May 7, Rajshahi University student Shakinur Rahman Sabbir from Charghat died from a Russell's viper bite. Once nearly extinct, Russell's vipers were found in the Padma River in Rajshahi but have now spread to nearby districts, causing significant alarm among residents of riverbank areas.

According to RMCH data, in 2023, 362 snakebite patients were admitted, with 43 deaths, including 18 from Russell's viper bites. So far in 2024, 315 snakebite patients have been admitted, with 13 deaths, five of which were due to Russell's viper bites.

Borhan Biswas Roman, a snake researcher and trainer at the Venom Research Center of Chittagong Medical College Hospital, stated that Russell's viper ranks fifth among the world's deadliest snakes. He urged people to notify the forest department instead of killing the snake on sight.

Shankar Kumar Biswas, EMO In-Charge of RMCH, said they have a sufficient supply of antivenom. He advised against taking snakebite victims to traditional healers or shamans, recommending immediate hospital treatment instead.

END/MRA/SMA/