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Man Bikes to Hospital With Deadly Snake That Bit Him
5 Sep
Summary
- Watchman cycled to hospital carrying the venomous krait that bit him.
- The man developed complications and was referred to a higher medical facility.
- Odisha plans measures to reduce snakebite deaths, second only to drowning.
In a remarkable display of presence of mind, a watchman in Odisha cycled to a hospital carrying the very venomous common krait that had bitten him on the leg. Mochiram Tudu, from the Mayurbhanj district, was on duty when the snake attacked him. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he subdued the reptile, bagged it, and rode his bicycle to the Udala Sub-Divisional Hospital.
Doctors at the Udala hospital identified the snake and commenced Tudu's treatment. However, his condition deteriorated overnight, leading to his referral to the PRM Medical College and Hospital in Baripada for more specialized care. He remains under observation there.
This incident underscores the severe issue of snakebite deaths in Odisha, which ranks as the second leading cause of disaster-related fatalities in the state, trailing only drowning. The government is implementing a multi-pronged approach to curb these deaths.
Measures include widespread awareness campaigns, improvements in housing and sanitation, and the distribution of protective gear like gumboots and torches. Additionally, there are plans to train frontline health workers and educators in snakebite recognition and first response, bolster doctors' capacity to administer anti-venom, and ensure a steady supply of anti-venom across health centers.
