The venomous Russell's viper, or chandrabora, is being talked about across the country after being caught in various places, and its venom is being discussed on social media. But in Brahmanbaria, rumours about the snake have started on Facebook.

From Thursday morning (20 June), posts appeared in several local Facebook groups claiming that Russell's vipers had been found in parts of the town including Puniaut. The posts quickly spread from personal accounts, and many people panicked when the photos circulated. Checks later showed that the photos were from other districts.

As of the latest information, there had been no report of a Russell's viper being recovered anywhere in the district or of anyone being bitten by one. Brahmanbaria civil surgeon Dr Mohammad Belayet Hossain confirmed this.

He said no one in the district had been reported bitten by a Russell's viper. Anyone bitten by the snake must be brought to hospital quickly, and no time should be wasted taking them to a kabiraj (traditional healer). Kabirajes make cuts on snakebite patients' bodies, which cause infection.

He added that there was still no information on the snake spreading in the district. Every upazila health complex has enough antivenom in stock, there is plenty in Dhaka too, and more will be brought if needed.

Ratan Kumar Dhali, superintendent (current charge) of Brahmanbaria General Hospital, said the hospital had enough antivenom to treat patients for the next three months.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.