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Spike in snakebite cases at GMCH as monsoon sets in

Spike in snakebite cases at GMCH as monsoon sets in

Time of India5 days ago
Nagpur: The Govt Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Nagpur reported a noticeable rise in snakebite cases with the onset of the monsoon, highlighting the increased risk posed by snakes during the rainy season.
Between January and mid-July 2025, 179 snakebite cases were treated at the hospital, with a notable surge observed in June and July.
According to the official data provided by GMCH, snakebite cases remained relatively low from January to April, with a monthly range of 7 to 19 cases. However, the number of cases began climbing rapidly from May, with 37 cases recorded, peaking in June with 53, followed by 36 more cases reported in just the first 16 days of July, indicating a continuing trend.
Dr Avinash Gawande, medical superintendent of GMCH, Nagpur, confirmed the seasonal rise. "There is a clear link between the arrival of the monsoon and spike in snakebite incidents. Tall grasses, waterlogging, and human activity in farm areas and outskirts create more encounters with snakes. GMCH has adequate stock of anti-venom and emergency protocols in place," he said.
Snake experts pointed out that monsoon drives snakes out of their underground shelters due to flooding and water accumulation.
As a result, they are often spotted in unusual places — from farms and villages to even residential colonies and urban surroundings.
"Snakes don't distinguish between rural and urban boundaries. During rains, they move out in search of dry, safe spaces — often ending up in backyards, basements, toilets, and gardens," said herpetologist Amit Kamble, who works on snake rescue and awareness in Vidarbha region. "Common non-venomous snakes are often mistaken as dangerous, leading to panic or unnecessary killing.
However, the bigger danger comes from venomous species like the Russell's viper, cobra, and krait, all found in this region," he added.
Health authorities urged people not to panic but to stay alert and take simple preventive measures, especially during this season. "Early treatment is critical. Even if the bite appears minor, victims should seek medical help immediately," said Dr Gawande.
The GMCH, being a tertiary care centre, continues to serve as a major referral hospital for snakebite cases across Nagpur and surrounding districts.
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You might encounter these 7 common snakes during the rainy season
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You might encounter these 7 common snakes during the rainy season

During the rainy season, it is pretty standard to see more snakes than usual. Heavy rains flood their natural shelters, pushing them out in search of dry ground. This movement often brings them closer to human habitations, increasing the chance of an encounter. We spoke with Deepak Sharma from the Indian Pest Control Company to learn more about these slithering creatures and discovered their risks. 1. Indian Cobra – One of the most iconic snakes in India, the Indian Cobra is highly venomous. Its bite can severely impact the nervous system and breathing. Without immediate medical attention, a cobra bite can be fatal. These snakes are often found on farms, in open fields, and areas near human settlements. 2. Common Krait – The krait is among the deadliest snakes in Asia. What makes it especially dangerous is that its bite is usually painless, so people often don't realize they've been bitten until symptoms appear. The venom affects the nervous system, leading to paralysis or respiratory failure. Kraits are typically nocturnal and may enter homes during the monsoon season. 3. Russell's Viper – This snake is both venomous and aggressive when disturbed. Its venom can cause internal bleeding, kidney damage, and even death. It's known for its loud hissing sound when threatened and is usually found in grassy fields or bushy areas. 4. Saw-scaled Viper – Don't let its small size fool you; the saw-scaled viper is extremely dangerous. Its venom can lead to bleeding and severe tissue damage. It's fast, irritable, and commonly seen in dry, open spaces or farmlands. 5. Rat Snake – Often mistaken for a cobra due to its size and appearance, the rat snake is non-venomous and completely harmless. In fact, it helps control rodent populations, making it a beneficial presence around farms and homes. 6. Green Vine Snake – Slender and bright green, this snake typically inhabits trees and bushes. It is mildly venomous, but its bite is not dangerous to humans; at most, it may cause some local swelling or irritation. 7. Checkered Keelback – A common water snake seen near ponds, lakes, and fields after rain, the checkered keelback is non-venomous. While it is sometimes confused with more dangerous snakes, it poses no threat to humans. Among all, Sharma said that the Common Krait is considered the most dangerous. 'It's a painless bite that often goes unnoticed, especially at night. But the venom acts quickly, causing paralysis and respiratory failure if not treated in time,' he said, adding that Kraits are responsible for a significant number of snakebite deaths in India. Suggesting a few simple tips to stay protected from these venomous creatures and their poisonous bites, Sharma said: 'Avoid walking barefoot, especially at night or near vegetation. Always carry a flashlight if you're moving around in the dark.' According to him, it is also essential to keep your surroundings clean, since rodents tend to attract snakes. 'Don't put your hands into holes, woodpiles, or tall grass without checking first. In the event of a bite, go directly to a hospital. Do not rely on home remedies or try to suck out the venom,' he warned.

Krait caught slithering in snakebike victims' ward
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time4 days ago

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1 2 3 Chandigarh: An uninvited guest — a venomous krait — slithered into the heart of the Govt Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Sector 32. The krait was spotted at the entrance of the intensive care unit (ICU) on Saturday late night — a unit ironically equipped to handle the very victims of snake bites. The dramatic event sent ripples of alarm through the hospital, though things were managed on time. "It was managed on time as the snake was spotted outside the ICU entrance," said Dr Manpreet, ICU in-charge. He said, "It perhaps entered through the drainage pipe and therefore we will soon place a mesh there." An eyewitness recounted the moment: "The guard used a wiper and stick to wrap the snake around to dispose of it." Hospital staff, already accustomed to the quiet hum of life-support machines, suddenly faced a different and unusual threat. In a late-night decision, staff chose to rely on internal security over an external rescue service, fearing that a time delay could allow the reptile to slither into the very ward that treats snakebite victims. "The first reaction was to call the security staff instead of any helpline for such reptiles as there was hardly anyone aware of the number. Also, by the time help would have arrived, the snake would have crept inside the ICU," said a staff member. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Linda Kozlowski, 67, Shows Off Her Perfect Figure In A New Photo The Noodle Box Undo by Taboola by Taboola Sources within GMCH revealed that snake sightings are a common occurrence during the monsoon and after spells of rain, particularly in the GMCH-32 hostel area and doctors' residence zones. These reptiles have also been observed crawling near the Sector 48-GMCH extension hospital. "I called 112 and they came to rescue us," said a GMCH staff member. The daring capture of the krait has brought to light a critical concern for the hospital's frontline security staff. A security guard, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "There is no medical coverage for the security personnel who are on contract. If there had been some mishap during the catching of the snake, who would have helped the guard?" MSID:: 122818917 413 |

Spike in snakebite cases at GMCH as monsoon sets in
Spike in snakebite cases at GMCH as monsoon sets in

Time of India

time5 days ago

  • Time of India

Spike in snakebite cases at GMCH as monsoon sets in

Nagpur: The Govt Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Nagpur reported a noticeable rise in snakebite cases with the onset of the monsoon, highlighting the increased risk posed by snakes during the rainy season. Between January and mid-July 2025, 179 snakebite cases were treated at the hospital, with a notable surge observed in June and July. According to the official data provided by GMCH, snakebite cases remained relatively low from January to April, with a monthly range of 7 to 19 cases. However, the number of cases began climbing rapidly from May, with 37 cases recorded, peaking in June with 53, followed by 36 more cases reported in just the first 16 days of July, indicating a continuing trend. Dr Avinash Gawande, medical superintendent of GMCH, Nagpur, confirmed the seasonal rise. "There is a clear link between the arrival of the monsoon and spike in snakebite incidents. Tall grasses, waterlogging, and human activity in farm areas and outskirts create more encounters with snakes. GMCH has adequate stock of anti-venom and emergency protocols in place," he said. Snake experts pointed out that monsoon drives snakes out of their underground shelters due to flooding and water accumulation. As a result, they are often spotted in unusual places — from farms and villages to even residential colonies and urban surroundings. "Snakes don't distinguish between rural and urban boundaries. During rains, they move out in search of dry, safe spaces — often ending up in backyards, basements, toilets, and gardens," said herpetologist Amit Kamble, who works on snake rescue and awareness in Vidarbha region. "Common non-venomous snakes are often mistaken as dangerous, leading to panic or unnecessary killing. However, the bigger danger comes from venomous species like the Russell's viper, cobra, and krait, all found in this region," he added. Health authorities urged people not to panic but to stay alert and take simple preventive measures, especially during this season. "Early treatment is critical. Even if the bite appears minor, victims should seek medical help immediately," said Dr Gawande. The GMCH, being a tertiary care centre, continues to serve as a major referral hospital for snakebite cases across Nagpur and surrounding districts.

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