Source: BBC.COM

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Context

• Bangladesh faces a surge in snake bites, prompting health centres to stock anti-venom. Russell's viper bites are prevalent, particularly in rural areas. Swift treatment is essential to reduce fatalities.

Details

Key Points

• Bangladesh orders all health centres and hospitals to stock anti-venom to combat rising snake bite incidents.
• The Russell's viper, once thought extinct in Bangladesh, has re-emerged and spread to over 25 districts.
• Approximately 7,000 people die annually in Bangladesh from snake bites, emphasizing the need for rapid anti-venom treatment.
• The World Health Organization identifies snake bites as a neglected tropical disease and prioritizes tackling them.

Features of the Viper:

• Habitat Adaptation: Originally found in dry areas, the Russell's viper has adapted to diverse climates and expanded its range in Bangladesh.
• Behaviour and Ecology: Russell's viper is often found near human settlements and farmland, especially during harvest season, due to its diet of rodents.
• Venom Potency: The viper's venom is highly toxic, causing significant health risks, making prompt anti-venom treatment critical for survival.
• Ecological Impact: The resurgence of Russell's viper in Bangladesh highlights the effects of environmental changes on wildlife distribution and public health.

Sources:

BBC.COM

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