Every flood season, in the three months of May, June and July, the number of snakebites and deaths from them rises. Snakes are seen less often near homes at other times of year, but in the rainy season, with water all around, they turn up far more often. That is why news of deaths from snakebite is so common at this time.

A nationwide snakebite survey by the Non-Communicable Disease Control programme (NCDC) found that 4,03,317 people in the country are bitten by snakes every year and 7,511 of them die. Each snakebite costs the victim about Tk 2,000 in treatment.

Some 80 species of snake live across the country. Of these, most deaths are caused by the bites of only seven or eight highly venomous species. Awareness, however, can protect people from venomous bites. These are the ways to prevent snakebite:

• Most snakebites happen on the feet. Take special care when walking where snakes may be, such as in grass or among bushes. Wear long shoes or boots, and carry a torch and a stick when walking in the dark.
• If you come face to face with a snake, stand still and calm. Snakes do not bite needlessly unless provoked.
• Keep the area around the house clean. It is best not to keep food stores such as paddy and rice, or ducks, chickens and pigeons, in the bedroom.
• Do not sleep on the floor; sleep on a bed under a mosquito net. Take particular care when sleeping on a raised platform (macha) at night.
• Do not put your hand or foot into any hole, and move piled firewood or straw very carefully.
• When fishing, check whether a snake is inside a fish trap (chai) or net before putting your hand in.
• If you are unfortunately bitten, stay calm and get someone's help. Never run after a snakebite, as this can spread the venom faster.

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