Dhangadhi, August 7

With the beginning of summer, Kailali district has been witnessing a jump in snakebite cases in the last three months.

Statistics reveal that as many as 147 people in the district have been bitten by poisonous snakes within the three-month period. Of the total, 11 lost their lives on the spot, five died in the course of treatment, five died on the way to hospital and one died at home for want of treatment.

Seti Zonal Hospital Emergency Ward In-charge Krishna Bohora said as many as 81 snake-bite patients had reached the hospital for treatment during the period. According to Bohora, daily, four to five snake-bite patients are visiting the hospital with the onset of summer.

Likewise, Badhaipur-based Nepali Army’s Rastriya Bikash Battalion informed that as many as 74 snake-bite patients had reached their facility for treatment in the last three months. Three serious patients were referred to another health facility.

Meanwhile, health workers say almost all snake-bite patients can be treated and saved, if people on their part act swiftly. Delay to rush the patient to hospital results in loss of life. “Almost all snake-bite patients can be saved if they arrive in time” said Dr Sher Bahadur Kamar at Seti Zonal Hospital.

Last year, as many as 215 snake-bite patients had reached the hospital for treatment, of which, seven had died in the course of treatment.