Recently, there has been a significant increase in snake bites across Bangladesh, particularly involving the Russell’s viper, a venomous snake commonly found in South Asia. This surge has prompted urgent actions from health authorities.
Government Directive
All health centers and hospitals in Bangladesh have been instructed to maintain adequate stocks of anti-venom to meet the rising demand due to the increased incidence of snake bites.
Public Advisory
Health Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen has appealed to the public to promptly bring snake bite victims to hospitals for treatment, emphasizing the critical importance of timely medical intervention.
Local Impact and Social Media Reaction
The spike in snake bites, especially by Russell’s vipers, has become a prevalent topic on Bangladeshi social media platforms in recent weeks, reflecting public concern and awareness.
Ecological Factors
The Russell’s viper, known to inhabit areas near human settlements and farmlands, has been thriving due to its diet of rodents, particularly during harvest seasons in rural Bangladesh.
Statistical Insights
A 2023 study highlighted that approximately 7,000 fatalities occur annually in Bangladesh due to snake bites, underscoring the lethal consequences without prompt administration of anti-venom.
Ecological Changes
Despite being declared extinct in Bangladesh in 2002, the Russell’s viper has reemerged and expanded its habitat across more than 25 districts, adapting to varied climate conditions.
Global Health Perspective
Recognized as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization (WHO), snake bites have been prioritized for intervention, aiming to mitigate their impact on public health.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- What action has the Bangladesh government taken in response to the increase in snake bites?
- A) Issued a directive to stock anti-venom
- B) Closed hospitals in rural areas
- C) Banned snake farming
- D) Restricted access to social media
- Which snake species is predominantly responsible for the recent surge in snake bites in Bangladesh?
- A) King cobra
- B) Russell’s viper
- C) Python
- D) Coral snake
- What advice did Health Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen give to the public?
- A) Avoid visiting rural areas
- B) Use traditional remedies for snake bites
- C) Bring snake bite victims to hospitals promptly
- D) Start snake bite prevention campaigns
- Why has the Russell’s viper population increased around human settlements in Bangladesh?
- A) Due to increased hunting by villagers
- B) Because of habitat destruction
- C) It feeds on rodents found in these areas
- D) To escape flooding in other regions
- Which organization has categorized snake bites as a neglected tropical disease?
- A) Red Cross
- B) United Nations
- C) World Health Organization (WHO)
- D) Doctors Without Borders