Pune: The onset of the monsoon has led to a rise in snake bite incidents in Khed Taluka, particularly in the western region. Fortunately, no fatalities have occurred.
Dr. Vandana Gawali from Wada Primary Health Center and Dr. Dhairyashil Pandit from Dehne Primary Health Center have assured that there is an ample supply of anti-venom vaccines at their respective centers.
The western region of Khed Taluka, known for its heavy rainfall, primarily cultivates rice during the Rabi season, which involves planting in muddy conditions. These conditions often harbor snakes, leading to frequent bites among farmers.
Dr. Gawli and Dr. Pandit explained that only four snakes in the region are venomous: the cobra, krait, Russell's viper, and saw-scaled viper. Most other snakes are non-venomous.
Patients usually arrive at the hospital without knowing which snake bit them. Treatment is then based on symptoms or bite marks.
Occasionally, crab bites can resemble those of venomous snakes, and treatment is administered accordingly. Sometimes, people bring the snake that bit them to the hospital, facilitating quicker and more accurate treatment.
Dr. Gawli highlighted that Wada Center has a sufficient stock of anti-venom vaccines and a resident doctor available for nighttime treatments.
Dr. Pandit noted that Dehne Primary Health Center has treated twelve snake bite cases since the monsoon began, all involving non-venomous snakes.
On Thursday, August 1st, four patients arrived after 4 PM, all bitten by non-venomous snakes, and were treated and sent home.