The many awareness drives and sensitisation programmes seem to have had little effect in reducing snake bite deaths. Despite the best medicines, Coimbatore has seen a steep increase in the number of deaths: one in every 18 snake bite victim succumbs.

According to data from the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH), 40 persons, including 22 male and 18 female, succumbed to snake bites in 2016. This is 15 per cent more than the previous year, when only 32 deaths were reported, of whom 23 were male and 9 were female. The ratio was 38:1 in 2015.

However, the number of bite cases has declined by more than 20 per cent, as only 747 victims—528 male and 219 female—were treated at the hospital in 2016. The numbers stood at a staggering 1,224 in 2015, comprising 847 male and 377 female victims.

Claiming that lack of awareness was the main reason for increased deaths, Resident Medical Officer of CMCH, Dr R Soundravel said that people should immediately bring the victim to the hospital. “Most of the deaths occur as the patient is brought to the hospital at the last stage after trying old first aid methods,” he said.

Another official added that since patients waste time with old school treatments, valuable time is wasted, increasing the severity of the venom. “Since most of the cases happen during the night, it becomes difficult for the victim to identify the snake and the apt anti-venom cannot be provided,” he told The Covai Post.

“Only the exact anti-venom can increase the chances of survival, and not old methods like sucking the blood out or tying a tight noose,” a hospital official said. He added that the patients should not suck out the venom as seen in movies as it may enter the bloodstream of the person who is sucking, and tying a tight noose would result in a lost arm or leg.

“A minimal pressure should be put above the bitten spot so as to slow down the blood circulation and stop the venom from spreading through the bloodstream,” informed the official.

According to sources, with most of the city covered by farmlands and forest areas, Coimbatore is prone to snakes getting into houses. While most snakes found here are non-venomous, there are some lethal ones, like cobras, saw scaled viper, Russel’s viper and common krait, whose bite can prove fatal.

He also advised that persons should immediately inform fire rescue personnel or snake rescuers when a snake enters their locality and should not attempt to catch it with their bare hands. “People should also a have a proper awareness of snakes as they are an important part of the eco system,” he added.

With inputs from A T Jahar