With a spike in the snakebite cases in Bangladesh, all health centres and hospitals in the country have been ordered to ensure ample stock of anti-venom. Bangladesh Health minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen has urged the public to bring snakebite victims without any delay to medical facilities for immediate treatment, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported. In rural areas, hospitals have reported a rise in snakebites, particularly from the Russell's viper, a species common in South Asia. These incidents have become the focal point on Bangladeshi social media platforms. Russell's vipers are frequently found near human settlements and in agriculture fields during harvest seasons, drawn by the abundance of rodents. According to a study conducted in 2023, approximately 7, 000 people in Bangladesh succumb to snakebites annually. However, timely administration of anti-venom significantly enhances survival rates. The Russell's viper was declared extinct in Bangladesh in 2002, but it has made a comeback since then. Scientists suggest that the snake, typically inhabiting dry regions, has adjusted to varied climate conditions and has now spread to over 25 districts across Bangladesh. Terming snakebites as one of the neglected tropical diseases, the World Health Organization has underscored the urgency of addressing them on priority. This classification has spurred global efforts to prioritise measures for prevention, treatment, and public awareness impact of these venomous encounters.
