Snakebite cases spike, civil hospital reports 29 this year

[email protected]Ludhiana: Snakebite cases have been reported at the civil hospital amid the hot weather, with over 10 persons reporting for treatment. Hospital staff assured that they have adequate stock of anti-snake venom.A few cases of snakebite have been received at private hospitals of the district.According to the data related to snakebites gathered from the civil hospital, 29 cases were reported from Jan to June 22 this year. Of the snakebite cases in various months, maximum of 11 cases were reported in the 22 days of June, while none was reported at the hospital in Jan this year.The number of snakebites in the first six months of the year, from Jan to June-end, was 43.

A total of 31 snakebite cases were reported in the first six months of 2024.Year-wise data of snakebite cases received at the civil hospital since 2021 indicates that the highest number of such cases was recorded at 172 in 2024.Data also indicates that only in 2021 was the number of such cases at the hospital less than 100 (83), but after that, in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, the number was more than 100.Talking to TOI, senior medical officer (SMO) at civil hospital, Dr Akhil Sarin, said that they have sufficient stock of the anti-snake venom injections.

He advised people to take general precautions, including keeping their homes and surroundings clean.Cases have been reported in private hospitals as well.Dr Sandeep Chabra of the department of medicine, DMCH said they treated two patients in the ongoing month. He advised persons bitten by snakes to immediately seek medical care and get anti-snake venom injections.A health department official said certain areas in Ludhiana are considered hotspots for such cases, including Machhiwara, Koom Kalan, Sidhwan Bet and Ladhowal.A health department official said nearly 60% to 70% of snake species are non-venomous. They usually bite in self-defence or while hunting prey such as frogs and rats.He added that the potency of snake venom varies depending on the species and age of the reptile, noting that venom from younger snakes is often considered more toxic than that of older ones.While cases have been reported in Ludhiana Civil Hospital, no such patients have sought treatment at the Khanna Civil Hospital.SMO, Khanna Civil Hospital, Dr Maninder Bhasin, said till now, 14 cases of snakebite have been received at the hospital. Last year, 12 such cases were reported in the first six months, including six in June.He added that snake venom can affect the body in different ways, depending on the species.“While some snakes are neurotoxic, with venom that affects the nervous system, others are haemotoxic and primarily affect the circulatory system,” the SMO said.As per the health department official, symptoms of neurotoxic snakebites include drooping eyelids, respiratory muscle paralysis, frothing and muscle weakness. “In cases of haemotoxic envenomation, victims may experience blood clotting disorders and cardiovascular complications.”The official added that not all snakebite cases require administration of anti-snake venom, as treatment depends on the nature and severity of the bite.Can be added as boxes:Box 1: Year‑wise Snakebite Cases at Civil Hospital2021 | 832022 | 1192023 | 1492024 | 1722025* | 432026** | 29*Approximate number. **Till June 22.Box 4: What to do in case of snake-biteCall ambulance immediately and rush victim to hospitalReassure and immobilise limb with splintSeek treatment from qualified doctorsWhat not to doDon’t panic; snakebite is treatableDon’t cut or suck the woundDon’t apply ice or massageDon’t self‑medicate or use herbsBox 5: How to Avoid SnakebiteDon’t enter floodwatersWear closed shoes or boots outdoorsUse a torch at nightAoid sleeping on the floor; use mosquito netsKeep surroundings clean and clutter‑free