Bangladesh Instructs Hospitals To Stock Anti-Venom Amid Rising Cases Of Snake Bites

Amid a surge in snake bite incidents, Bangladesh has mandated all health centers and hospitals to stock anti-venom. Health Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen has urged the public to bring snake bite victims to hospitals promptly.

Rural areas in Bangladesh have reported an increase in snake bites, particularly from the Russell’s viper, a species found in South Asia. This has been a significant topic on Bangladeshi social media recently. The Russell’s viper, which preys on rodents, is often found near human settlements and farmland, especially during harvest season.

A 2023 study revealed that about 7,000 people die annually in Bangladesh due to snake bites, though most victims survive if treated quickly with anti-venom. The Russell’s viper, declared extinct in Bangladesh in 2002, has now returned. Scientists believe this snake has adapted to diverse climate conditions and has spread to over 25 districts in the country.

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies snake bites as one of the most neglected tropical diseases and has prioritized addressing this issue.