KATHMANDU, JULY 5 Snakebite cases have risen sharply in Sarlahi this year, with health workers attributing the increase to soaring temperatures that are forcing snakes out of their natural habitats. The Snakebite Treatment Centre at Nawalpur in Lalbandi Municipality-1 has treated 305 snakebite patients by the first week of July, exceeding the number recorded during the same period last year. Health Assistant Jagannath Yadav said the centre currently receives three to seven patients daily, with snakebite incidents typically peaking between January and September. According to Centre Chairperson Uddhav Paudel, prolonged heat drives venomous snakes out of bushes and burrows in search of cooler places and prey, increasing the likelihood of encounters with people. 'Snakes do not hunt humans. They bite mainly in self-defence when they feel threatened,' he said. Read More: Snakebites no longer just a tarai problem as cases reach Everest's doorstep The centre recorded 17 cases in Falgun (February-March), 47 in Chaitra (March-April), 65 in Baisakh (April-May), 85 in Jestha (May-June), and 91 cases so far in Asar (June-July). Three patients bitten by highly venomous common kraits were referred to Janakpur for advanced treatment, while the remaining cases were managed at the centre. Medical staff said only five to seven percent of patients develop systemic envenomation, while 15 to 20 percent suffer 'dry bites' in which no venom is injected. Read More: Venomous snake sightings rise in Banke amid heat Doctors also warned that delays caused by seeking treatment from traditional healers instead of health facilities continue to claim lives and urged the public to seek immediate medical care after any snakebite. (With inputs from RSS)