News / National
Over 3,000 people bitten by snakes, 16 dead
08 Dec 2013 at 03:32hrs | Views
Snake bites have claimed the lives of 16 people this year amid indications that the number of people being attacked by the reptiles is on the increase with 146 cases being recorded during the third week of November alone.
Statistics availed by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) show that a total of 3 011 snake bite cases have been reported this year with most of the cases being recorded in Mashonaland West province.
In its weekly report for the week ending 24 November 2013, the MoHCC disclosed that 41 people were bitten by snakes in Mashonaland West alone during the week under review.
"A total of 146 cases of snake bites were recorded countrywide this week, however no deaths were recorded," reads part of the report.
"Mashonaland West recorded the highest figure with 41 cases, followed by Mashonaland East with 25 cases while Mashonaland Central, Matabeleland North, Masvingo, Midlands, Manicaland and Matabeleland South recorded 12, 10, 19, 6, 14 and 5 respectively.
Experts warn that snake bites can damage a human's nervous system in the long term if they are not treated.
The warnings come amid concern that some people do not seek medical attention after being bitten.
Snake World foreman Mr Abraham Singano revealed that snake bites can cause paralysis, severe headaches and neurological disorders.
"Among the snakes that are normally found in homesteads, puff adders are the most dangerous snakes because they are responsible for 90 percent of snake bites and deaths that occur in Africa.
"If one is bitten by a puff adder, the toxin can kill the person within 18 hours or cause paralysis if treatment is delayed because the toxin can damage a human nervous system.
"When it penetrates the body, it damages the body tissues.
"At the same time, it slows down the nervous system then eventually the central nervous system leading to stroke or paralysis. It's important that people seek treatment as a matter of urgency," he said.
Statistics availed by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) show that a total of 3 011 snake bite cases have been reported this year with most of the cases being recorded in Mashonaland West province.
In its weekly report for the week ending 24 November 2013, the MoHCC disclosed that 41 people were bitten by snakes in Mashonaland West alone during the week under review.
"A total of 146 cases of snake bites were recorded countrywide this week, however no deaths were recorded," reads part of the report.
"Mashonaland West recorded the highest figure with 41 cases, followed by Mashonaland East with 25 cases while Mashonaland Central, Matabeleland North, Masvingo, Midlands, Manicaland and Matabeleland South recorded 12, 10, 19, 6, 14 and 5 respectively.
Experts warn that snake bites can damage a human's nervous system in the long term if they are not treated.
The warnings come amid concern that some people do not seek medical attention after being bitten.
Snake World foreman Mr Abraham Singano revealed that snake bites can cause paralysis, severe headaches and neurological disorders.
"Among the snakes that are normally found in homesteads, puff adders are the most dangerous snakes because they are responsible for 90 percent of snake bites and deaths that occur in Africa.
"If one is bitten by a puff adder, the toxin can kill the person within 18 hours or cause paralysis if treatment is delayed because the toxin can damage a human nervous system.
"When it penetrates the body, it damages the body tissues.
"At the same time, it slows down the nervous system then eventually the central nervous system leading to stroke or paralysis. It's important that people seek treatment as a matter of urgency," he said.
Source - sundaymail
