Health Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen has also advised the public to quickly bring snake bite victims to hospitals for treatment.
Rural hospitals in Bangladesh have reported a rise in snake bites, particularly from the Russell’s viper, a species found in South Asia. This issue has been widely discussed on Bangladeshi social media recently.
The Russell’s viper, which preys on rodents, is often found near human settlements and farmland, especially during the harvest season.
A 2023 study indicated that approximately 7,000 people die from snake bites in Bangladesh each year. Most victims can survive if they receive anti-venom treatment promptly.
Though the Russell’s viper was declared extinct in Bangladesh in 2002, the species has reappeared. Scientists believe the snake has adapted to various climate conditions and has now spread to more than 25 districts in Bangladesh.
The World Health Organization identifies snake bites as one of the most neglected tropical diseases and has prioritized efforts to combat them.
