Locals warned against using homemade concoctions to treat snake bites

As South Africa faces a dire shortage of snake anti-venom treatment, locals have been warned that relying on traditional myths and using homemade concoctions to treat snakebites is far too dangerous… writes Godfrey Sigwela. Sucking the snakebite or burning it all make the snake wound worse.

Professor Timothy Hardcastle, an expert from The National Snakebite Advisory Group (NSAG) said: “Calling emergency services is the best thing one can do after a snakebite.

“When there is a snakebite it is important to use simple treatment solutions. Wipe away excess venom with a clean cloth and clean water and keep the person calm. Then move the snake victim to a medical facility to get help.”

Professor Hardcastle, who is also a head at the clinical department of trauma and burns at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, advised people not to use dangerous methods to treat the snakebite.

“Do not bite, electrocute, suck or burn the snakebte wound. Certain venomous snakes will cause symptoms, in this case early medical care which may require antivenom is important.

“Also do not use a tourniquet either, this causes more damage than the bite, whether improvised belt or wire.”

However, with the scarcity of the SA-produced polyvalent snake antivenom in South Africa, people may be tempted to use their own substances like liquor to treat a snakebite.

“Liquor or any other mild disinfectant can be used, but it will not heal the bite on its own. Getting appropriate medical assessment is essential and very urgent,”said Professor Hardcastle.

He added: “Dangerous snakes include Rinkals, Black and green Mamba, Cape Cobra., Forest Cobra, Snouted cobra, Mfezi, or the two adders (puff adder, Gabon adder). These require antivenom.

“While antivenom is in short supply there is still some available so someone bitten must still be assessed at medical facilities.”

Prof Hardcastle is one of 27 experts in snakebite treatment (from medical practitioners to snake handling experts) who has signed an open letter to SA’s Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla calling for his intervention to alleviate a critical shortage of antivenom vials in South Africa.

By Godfrey Sigwela