What can happen to me if a snake bites me?

Snake bites are a real health hazard. If they are venomous, they can result in death or even cause serious bodily harm. What can happen if you are bitten by this type of reptile?

According to MedlinePlus, a venomous snakebite can cause multiple effects on the body, which vary by species and venom, but include:

▪️Intense, exaggerated pain, bleeding, and blistering at the bite site.▪️Local tissue damage, which may become necrotic and destroyed if left untreated.▪️Systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, weakness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and confusion.▪️Bleeding disorders such as internal bleeding, hemorrhages, and low blood pressure.▪️Neurotoxic effects that can cause muscle paralysis, difficulty breathing, and paralysis of the respiratory system, which can be fatal.

▪️Other symptoms include blurred vision, numbness, tingling, seizures, rapid heart rate, shock, and possible kidney failure.

This demonstrates that without prompt treatment, these complications can lead to permanent disability, amputation, or death. Urgent treatment with antivenom is essential to neutralize the effects and prevent serious damage.

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How to identify a poisonous snake?

National Geographic maintains that some general characteristics can be observed: ▪️They usually have a triangular head well differentiated from the body (except for coral snakes). ▪️Vertical pupils and elongated scales that are rough to the touch. ▪️In addition, many have a loreal pit, a hole between the eyes and nostrils that detects heat, typical of vipers. However, there are exceptions. ▪️They also respond to a color pattern; for example, true coral snakes have brightly colored rings in sequence. ▪️Venomous snakes usually coil and prepare to attack when they feel threatened, while non-poisonous ones tend to flee.

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How many people die each year from snake bites?

“Snakebite poisoning is one of the leading causes of death globally. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), more than 5 million people are bitten by snakes each year, and 130,000 die,” reports National Geographic.

Of the nearly 3,000 species of snakes on the planet, only 15% are dangerous because of their venom, according to the MSD medical manual, part of the Global Medical Knowledge Alliance.

These deaths occur primarily in low- and middle-income countries, where rapid access to antivenoms and medical care is limited.