Rainfall drives snakes out of burrows, 20 people bitten overnight in Hathras

Agra: Severe waterlogging caused by continuous rainfall in Hathras district forced snakes out of their burrows, resulting in at least 20 people being bitten in separate cases between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.Chief medical superintendent (CMS) of district govt hospital Dr Surya Prakash said relentless rain and waterlogging have increased the risk of human encounters with venomous snakes in villages, farms and even at homes. “All the victims were admitted to the emergency ward of Bagla District Hospital, where anti-snake venom (ASV) was promptly provided by attending doctors. Hospital officials said a total of 55 vials of ASVs were administered to 20 patients.

Three critical patients required a higher ASV dosage,” the CMS added. One of them was sent to Jawaharlal Medical College in Aligarh.Doctors have attributed the sudden increase in snakebite cases to the monsoon, as rainwater floods snake habitats and drives the reptiles into populated areas in search of dry shelter.Dr Prakash, who has been treating such patients, cautioned villagers not to rely on traditional healers or home remedies.

“Victims should visit the nearest hospital without delay, as timely ASV significantly improves their recovery chances,” he said.Among those bitten was Dev Kumar. The Gijaroli resident was bitten in his leg while he was returning from his farm. Ramesh Chand, a farmer, told TOI that his wife, Pinki Devi, was also bitten by a snake while she was asleep at home. “We managed to take her to hospital in time. Thankfully, she is now recovering well,” he said.(Inputs by Sumit Sharma)