40,000 snakebites reported annually

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo yesterday quoted Health Ministry statistics and said a record number of 40,000 snakebite cases are reported from every part of the country annually and urged victims to seek treatment from hospitals rather than relying on other remedies.

The statistics also reveal that the actual snakebite cases may be higher, considering that a few cases from rural areas are not reported.

Founder Head, National Poison Information Centre and Faculty of Medicine, Colombo University, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Senior Prof. Ravindra Fernando told the Sunday Observer that at least 100 people in Sri Lanka annually die of snakebites.

Prof. Fernando also advised snakebite victims not to allow others to press or squeeze the injured area, suck venom from the wound or make cuts in the injury site before they are rushed to hospital". "However, the wound could be washed with soap and water without applying pressure, "

He said time should not be wasted, searching for the snake which bit the person as priority should be given to saving the life of the victim. Prof. Fernando advised doctors and other officials in hospitals countrywide to keep adequate stocks of anti-venom injections in their hospitals, as they will not be able to provide immediate medical attention to patients otherwise.