Animal bites including Snakebite and Scorpion bite are preventable public health hazard .Still animal bites are significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with World health organization estimating about 5 million people being bitten by snake annually, majority in Africa and South East Asia. In India itself estimated death due to snake bite is 50000/ yr with approx 50 million population at risk for bite which may occur any time in the life.
a. Be especially vigilant about snake bites after rains, during flooding, at harvest time and at night.
b. Use light (torch, flashlight or lamp) when walking at night.
c. Never handle, threaten or attack a snake and never intentionally trap or corner a snake in an enclosed space.
d. Try to avoid sleeping on the ground and never walk barefoot
e. Keep young children away from areas known to be snake infested.
f. Avoid having rubble, termite mounds or domestic animals close to human dwellings, as all of these attract snakes.
g. Avoid types of house construction that will provide snakes with hiding places
j. Check shoes, coat pockets prior to use in endemic areas.
k. Observe standard anti snake precautions while camping.
l. Store food in rodent proof containers
m. Tuck mosquito nets securely under sleeping mats
n. Health authorities should deliver talks on first aid measures and prevention of snakebite.
o. Probing Cracks and crevices bare hand may also increase the risk of bite.
p. Dust and invert bedding /sleeping bag every time before lying down
q. Invert and shake shoes/ boot every time before wearing them
r. Dig snake trenches- Trenches 60cm deep and wide with vertical edges are deterrent for the snake to enter inside the tent which should be strictly implemented in campsites.
s. Keep area of living clean, litter and rubble free, which will prevent rodent ingress and not attract snakes. Woods, large stones, vegetation, garbage and other debris should be removed from vicinity of tents/ living areas.
Recommended first aid methods: - First aid in Snake bite can be remembered by mnemonic “ Do it RIGHT” which includes
a. R-Reassure the victim who may be very anxious. About 70% of snake bites are non-poisonous.
b. I-Immobilize the bitten limb like fracture with a splint or sling (any movement or muscular contraction increases absorption of venom into the bloodstream and lymphatics). Use bandages or cloth to hold the splint. Ideally an elastic, stretchy crepe bandage approx. 10cm wide and 4 m long can be used. The bandage is to be wound firmly around the bitten limb, starting distally around fingers/ toes and moving proximally to include rigid splint (piece of wood, board, metal pipe etc.) Do not apply tight ligature. Pressure immobilization is not recommended for Viper bite.
c. GH-Get to nearest Hospital immediately. Traditional remedies and certain myths like oral extraction, cutting the bite site etc. must be avoided.
d. T- Tell the doctor complete history like time, date, symptoms, mechanism of bite etc.
6. Do not attempt to kill the snake as this may be dangerous. However, if the snake has already been killed, it should be taken to the Hospital in a strong sealed box where it can be identified. Do not handle the snake with bare hands as even a severed head can bite.
Further discussion is welcomed
Croatian snakes, much like any other snake, prefer to stay as far away from human activity as possible and truly want absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with you. Croatian snakes are not outwardly aggressive, they do not seek confrontation, and contrary to popular (and unfortunate) belief, they do not bite out of ill will.
https://www.total-croatia-news.com/lifestyle/64191-croatian-snakes
The rule that I learned a long time ago, "Do not put your hands or feet where you cannot see them" And tall grass is a definite worst case. For scorpions, check your shoes before putting them on.
- Wear boots and long pants when hiking to help block rattlesnake venom.
- Stay on trails when hiking, away from the underbrush and tall weeds.
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