LIMPOPO – The majority of snakebites happen in the early evenings, especially on the warm, wet summer nights. They are most active then and the majority of victims are children that accidentally stand on snakes, followed by subsistence farmers that work the land, usually barefoot. Over 85% of all snakebites in Southern Africa are inflicted well below the knee. A number of people are also bitten while in the process of killing or capturing snakes.
Snakes are by no means aggressive and there are no snakes in Southern Africa that chase people. If you are 5 m or more away from any snake you are perfectly safe and cannot be bitten.
The majority of snakes move off rapidly when disturbed and this also applies to the Black Mamba. It is not an aggressive snake and this is borne out by the few bites reported annually – usually less than a dozen. But if cornered or threatened it will gape, exposing the black inner lining of the mouth, and may even form a narrow hood. A cornered or threatened Black Mamba will not hesitate to strike and may even bite a few times in quick succession.
Well over 90% of all snakebites in Southern Africa are as a result of Mozambique Spitting Cobra, Puff Adder, Rhombic Night Adder and Stiletto Snake bites.
While the Stiletto Snake and Rhombic Night Adder are not considered deadly, both the Mozambique Spitting Cobra and Puff Adder are but they rarely account for human fatalities. This is because of their slow-acting cytotoxic venom that causes pain, swelling, blistering and in some cases severe tissue damage.
Mozambique Spitting Cobra (Naja mossambica):
The Mozambique Spitting Cobra is problematic. It is abundant where it occurs, active both in the day and the evenings and often ventures into people’s houses. If stood on, and this often happens at night, it will not hesitate to bite. It also has a reputation for biting people while asleep and the theory is usually that it seeks the warmth of the human body and if rolled onto, the snake will bite.
This is not the case for a few reasons: in defensive bites people often receive what is termed ‘dry’ bites – the snake bites and the victim has no symptoms or mild symptoms. This happens in about half of all snakebites reported. In cases where sleeping victims are bitten by this snake, usually in the face, chest, arms or even in an eye, there is usually severe envenomation, typical of a feeding bite.
Mozambique Spitting Cobras are ferocious feeders and eat virtually anything that moves including rodents, frogs, birds, snakes and other reptiles. It appears that they are ending up in houses and mistaking people for a meal.
Puff Adder (Bitis arietans arietans):
Puff Adders are extremely widespread and are slow-moving snakes that rely on excellent camouflage to avoid danger. Most of their time is spent in camouflage mode and they are near impossible to see.
When on the move, especially at night, this ill-tempered snake will puff and strike quickly if stood on. It is by far one of the fastest striking snakes in Africa and has long fangs that may reach close on 2 cm in length.
Rhombic Night Adder:
Rhombic Night Adders, despite the common name, are largely active in the day and in some areas of KZN and the Eastern Cape account for many bites. Again this happens largely when a snake is stood on. The venom of the Rhombic Night Adder is cytotoxic and although not considered potentially lethal, may result in alarming symptoms that could require hospitalisation. Do not underestimate the venom of this snake.
Stiletto Snake:
The Stiletto Snake spends most of its life underground where it feeds on snakes and other reptiles but does surface at night, especially after heavy summer rains. Individuals often end up in swimming pools.
It is a nondescript dark brown to blackish snake and because of its blunt head, it is often mistaken for a Mole snake.
The Stiletto Snake has massive fangs that stick out of the side of the mouth (hence the common name side-stabbing snake) and it is one of few snakes that cannot be handled safely in any manner. Any attempt to handle a Stiletto Snake, even if captured behind the head, will result in a painful bite.
The venom is potently cytotoxic and caused severe pain, swelling, blistering and tissue damage. Many victims that are bitten on a finger or thumb lose a digit or two.
In the unlikely event of a snakebite it is important to remain calm and get the patient to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. Do not apply a tourniquet or try to cut and suck the venom out – it does not work.
Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis):
In serious Black Mamba bites, victims may soon find it difficult to breathe and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation may be life-saving on the way to hospital. A
lso bear in mind that ambulances are manned by paramedics who are trained and equipped to deal with emergencies and snakebite victims.
For a free poster of Dangerous Snakes of Limpopo, First Aid for Snakebite as well as Dangerous Snakes of Polokwane please go to www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com.
There is also a list of snake removers country wide on the website.
Johan Marais
African Snakebite Institute
Cell: 082 494 2039
www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com.
