Wrong snakebite diagnosis putting lives at risk in Odisha; know what doctors say

Proper diagnosis can cure snakebite, but what about a wrong diagnosis…? A recent incident of snakebite from Odisha’s Puri district has once brought light to the problems being faced by doctors while identifying snake species for proper treatment.

A state like Odisha, which has a huge rural belt and witnessed an unabated rise in such cases in the last couple of years, needs proper diagnosis of such cases, but for that, identifying snake species is crucial.

The recent incident has come to the fore from Kanasahaspur village of Puri district where a minor, Santosh Pradhan, was allegedly bitten by a snake last Sunday. Family members clicked a picture of the snake and immediately rushed him to Kanas Community Health Centre. Upon seeing the picture clicked by the victim's family, the doctor told that it was a common krait's bite and gave him an injection of the 20-vial anti-snake venom (ASV). 

However, soon after receiving the medication, Santosh complained of having severe stomachache and was referred to Capital Hospital. After seeing the picture of the snake, the authorities informed that it was a non-venomous snake and that giving such a medication means putting the life of the victim at risk. 

Dr. Jayant Panda, Health Expert, said, "Snakebite is entirely curable if the venom is neutralised within one to two days of the incident. However, delays in proper medical treatment can lead to complications such as kidney failure and respiratory distress. He explained that snakes fall under various categories, and in the Indian context, the most dangerous and highly venomous species are the Common Krait and the Indian Krait.”

Vipers are another category, whose vasculotoxic venom damages blood vessels, while bites from kraits cause neurological and diaphragmatic paralysis. A king cobra bite can produce all these symptoms together. In contrast, bites from non-venomous snakes, such as rat snakes, have no harmful effects, said Panda.

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Panda further said that it is often difficult for doctors to identify the snake species based on the victim’s description, as a wide varieties exist. Instead, they diagnose based on symptoms. Vomiting is typically the first sign of a venomous bite. Swelling and distinct fang marks usually indicate a viper bite, while breathing difficulties and neurological issues point to a krait. When all major symptoms appear together, it is usually a cobra bite.

A 20-minute clot retraction test is performed only in cases involving vasculotoxic snakes like vipers. For neurotoxic bites, no such diagnostic test exists. Polyvalent Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) is administered to victims of all age and generally has no adverse effects except possible hypersensitivity. 

Panda advises avoiding tying cloth around the bite, as it can cut off blood supply and cause gangrene. Instead, the affected limb should be kept still, lightly immobilised with gauze and glycerine, and moved as little as possible during transportation to ensure timely and accurate medical evaluation.

In the interest of public safety, experts strongly advise against trying any home remedies, traditional treatments, or unverified methods after a snakebite. People should immediately seek help from trained doctors and healthcare professionals, as timely medical intervention is the only safe and effective course of action.