Snakes of Medical Importance Around Zaria
Most species of snakes around the world are not poisonous but there are quite a number that are highly venomous.
In and around Zaria, several snake species are found, with the Carpet Viper (Echis ocellatus known locally as "Kububuwa"), Black-necked Spitting Cobra (Naja nigricollis known locally as "Gamsheka"), and Puff Adder (Bitis arietans known locally as "Kumurci") being the most significant in terms of envenoming. Additionally, the Egyptian Cobra (Naja haje) and the Forest Cobra (Naja melanoleuca) are also present in the region.
Black-necked Spitting Cobra
Carpet Viper
Puff Adder
Egyptian Cobra
Black Mamba
Forest Cobra
Symptoms of Snakebite in Humans
Local Symptoms (at the bite site):
- Puncture wounds: Two puncture marks from the snake's fangs.
- Pain: Sharp, throbbing, or burning pain.
- Swelling and redness: Can spread from the bite site.
- Bruising and bleeding: Especially with pit viper bites.
- Blisters: Filled with blood.
Systemic Symptoms (affecting the whole body):
- Nausea and vomiting: Common, especially with more serious envenomation.
- Difficulty breathing: Can range from mild to severe.
- Blurred vision: A sign of potential nerve damage.
- Drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness: Can be caused by venom affecting the nervous system.
- Weakness and dizziness: Can lead to fainting.
- Convulsions: A sign of severe venom poisoning.
- Paralysis: Can be a symptom of some types of venom.
- Change in mental state: Confusion or disorientation.
- Shock: A serious complication requiring immediate medical attention.
- Fast pulse and trouble breathing: Can indicate a systemic reaction.
Other Possible Symptoms:
- Metallic taste in the mouth: A sign of some venom types.
- Sweating and salivating: Can be a result of fear or a systemic reaction.
- Numbness and tingling: Especially in the mouth and extremities.
- Fever: May develop later as the body fights the venom.
- Blood in the urine, stool, or throw-up: A sign of internal bleeding.
Important Considerations:
- Not all snakebites are equally dangerous: The type of snake, the amount of venom injected, and the individual's health can all play a role;
- Symptoms may not always be immediately apparent: Some venoms have a delayed onset of symptoms;
- "Dry bites" can still be dangerous: A snake can bite without injecting venom, but this can still cause pain, injury, and potentially infection;
- Seek immediate medical attention: If you suspect you have been bitten by a snake, especially a venomous one, get to a hospital or emergency room as quickly as possible
Management Practices of Snakebite
The below mentioned practices are employed for home management of snakebite in our communities. These practices are not scientifically substantiated and may worsen treatment outcome. Patients are therefore advised to avoid them:
- Tight bands (tourniquets) applied around the limb proximal to the bite site;
- Topical instillation or application of herbs;
- Local incisions or pricks/punctures be made over the bite site;
- Healthy volunteer to suck the venom out of the wound;
- Pressure immobilization bandages be applied around the bite site;
- Electric shock at the site of bite etc
Recommended First Aid Management of Snakebite
The WHO recommends the following first aid procedures by bite victims or by standers while adequate preparation for transport to a hospital is made:
- Move the victim to safety away from another potential bite;
- Reassure the victim, remove tight clothing, rings or bands from bitten limb;
- Immobilize the whole patient especially the bitten limb, the pressure immobilization technique should be used where applicable;
- Transport as quickly and as passively as possible to a health facility;
- Avoid harmful and time-wasting traditional practices for example tourniquet use;
- Use oral paracetamol for pain relief and chlorpromazine for vomiting patients;
- Patient should be laid in the left lateral position to avoid aspiration.
How to Prevent Snakebite
It can be difficult to avoid snake bites if you live, work or vacation in an area where snakes are common. However, you can take steps to prevent snake bites by:
- Being careful where you put your hands and feet. Don’t reach into unknown spaces and holes, or underneath objects without first making sure a snake isn’t hiding there.
- Being aware of your surroundings. Don’t lie down or sit down in areas where there might be snakes.
- Wearing high-top boots and long pants when walking through or working in areas with dense vegetation.
- Not attempting to capture, handle or keep snakes.
- If you come across a snake, slowly back away from it and avoid touching it.
Plants with Snake (Reptiles) Repellant Properties
You should also consider adding snake repellent plants to your yard if you live in an area where you can typically find these unwelcome reptiles. They love damp environments with dense foliage and are also commonly found in sunny rock gardens.
Snake Plant
Garlic
Lemon Grass
Onions
Snake Gourd
