Snakebite cases rise in Kangra district

Dharamsala, July 23

During the current monsoon season, snakebite cases have increased in Kangra district. The district health authorities are worried that instead of approaching hospitals, people are going to quacks for snakebite treatment.

Dr GD Gupta, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Kangra, says that during the monsoon season snakebite cases increase in Kangra, as the burrows of snakes get flooded and the chances of their coming into contact with humans increase. “The maximum snakebite cases have been registered in lower areas of Kangra district,” he adds.

Dr Gupta says that 454 cases of snakebite were registered in Kangra district last year. “In all cases, except one in which the victim died, the patients were timely given the anti-venom serum,” he adds.

“Timely anti-venom serum given to patients for snakebites is vital for saving their lives. As per the orders of the Himachal High Court, all community health centres in Kangra have an adequate supply of anti-venom serum. People have been asked to go directly to their nearest hospital in case of a snakebite,” he adds.