The banks of the Padma River in Rajshahi city, typically buzzing with visitors, have seen a notable decline in foot traffic recently.
Popular spots such as Borokuthi Padmagarden, Panchabati, T-Badh, and I-Badh are experiencing fewer visitors due to a widespread fear of Russell’s Viper snakes.
Despite the heightened anxiety, the fatality rate from these snake bites is relatively low, with a recovery rate of 74%. However, misinformation on social media has exacerbated the fear among the public.
A visit to I-Badh to Panchabati reveals that, compared to other days, the number of people was low even on weekends.
Russell's Viper: Panic, misinformation and the realityThe few visitors who were present stayed on the roadsides. No one dared to venture down due to fear. Normally, people would not feel satisfied without going down to the sandy banks of the Padma.
According to the shopkeepers along the banks, fewer people are coming compared to other times. Those who do come are talking about Russell's viper. As fewer people visit, sales have also decreased somewhat.
Saimul Hasan, who sells peanuts walking on the sandy banks of the Padma, said that previously, many young men and women could be seen on the sandy banks. They would sit on the sand and spend time. They would come around 3-4pm and hang out until sunset. But suddenly, those gatherings have decreased. Everyone is now hanging out on the open stage or concrete areas. No one is going down to the sand.
Panic over Russell's vipers leads to widespread non-venomous snake killingsMuin Hasan, who was hanging out with friends in the open stage area, said that discussions about Russell's Viper are happening everywhere. Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok accounts are filled with Russell's viper issues. Because of this, there is some fear. Usually, they would like to hang out down on the sand. But today, they do not feel like going down.
Jahangir Kabir, inspector of the Wildlife and Nature Conservation Department of the Rajshahi Forest Department, said there is a fear of snakes now. The idea that Russell's vipers might be on the riverbanks may be causing people to be cautious.
“We urge people not to panic but to remain cautious,” he added.
Hospital data
According to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) data, a total of 213 snakebite patients were admitted to RMCH in 2023.
Of them, 164 recovered and returned home, while 49 died. The recovery rate is 77%.
Until June 20, 2024, a total of 63 snakebite patients were admitted to RMCH. Of them, 54 recovered and returned home, while 9 died. The recovery rate is 84%.
In 2023, 50 people were bitten by Russell's Vipers in Rajshahi. Of them, 13 died and 37 recovered. The recovery rate is 74%.
What experts say
Abu Shaheen, associate professor of the Medicine Department of RMCH, who conducted research on Russell's viper, said that this snake was abundant in the Tanore and Godagari areas of Rajshahi district in the 1960s and 70s, but it disappeared from the 1980s to 2010. In 2013, a snakebite patient was seen at RMCH Hospital for the first time.
He said: “Russell's Viper venom is hemotoxin in nature. The tissues of the human body begin to deteriorate rapidly with the bite. Kidney function decreases. The wound becomes gangrenous. About 60% of patients die due to kidney problems. However, it is crucial to take antivenom as soon as possible after a bite. If snake vaccines were made in our region, they would be 100% effective. The mortality rate would also decrease.”
The associate professor said that most of the patients are bitten in the paddy fields. In 2022, 31 Russell's Viper bite patients were admitted to RMCH, which increased to 50 in 2023.
Abu Shaheen further mentioned that most patients come from Chapainawabganj district.
Regarding the production of antivenom in Bangladesh, Abu Shaheen said that there is a Venom Research Center in Chittagong. They collect snake venom to produce antibodies.
“However, the government needs to come forward in this regard. The antivenoms available in our country are imported from India. If pharmaceutical companies in our country come forward, it would be possible to produce them locally. Locally produced antivenom would be more effective, and the snakebite mortality rate would decrease,” he added.
Borhan Biswas Roman, an expert on snakes and reptiles, said that Russell's Vipers give birth directly to live young, unlike other snakes that lay eggs. These snakes give birth to 6 to 90 babies between May and July, averaging 25 to 35.
Unlike other venomous snakes like cobras, their behavior is different. They are lazy by nature. Russell's Vipers come with floodwaters and live in the river or sandy areas of Rajshahi, he added.
Lack of antivenom
Despite the increasing number of Russell's Viper bite cases, there is no antivenom in six upazila health complexes of Rajshahi. Only Tanore and Charghat upazilas have antivenom.
As a result, patients must rush to RMCH if bitten. However, the Ministry of Health has allocated 180 doses of anti-snake venom for this district. They will arrive soon. Each upazila will receive 20 doses of antivenom.
Dr Abu Said Mohammad Farooq, Civil Surgeon of Rajshahi district, said: “Antivenom is available in our two upazilas. The rest will arrive within a day or two. We also have sufficient antivenom in RMCH.”
Health Minister: Anti-venoms of Russell’s Viper available at hospitalsDr. Shankar Kumar Biswas, the acting head of the emergency department of RMCH, said: “The antivenom we have is not only used for Russell's Viper bites but also for any venomous snake bites. The hospital currently has more than 2,000 doses of antivenom in stock. More antivenom will arrive soon.”
He said snakebite patients should seek medical help within two hours of bite. The higher mortality rate is due to treatment by traditional quack healers. “If people are more aware about this, mortality rate will go down.”
