Receding floodwaters in Chittagong division have displaced snakes into residential areas, resulting in a sharp rise in snakebite incidents.
As floodwaters begin to recede across the division, health authorities are grappling with a surge in snakebite cases, with 118 people hospitalized since the flooding began, according to local health officials.
According to the Chittagong Civil Surgeon’s Office, all victims have recovered and no deaths have been reported so far. However, health experts have urged residents to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical treatment in the event of a snakebite.
Officials said the highest number of cases was recorded in Boalkhali, where 26 people were bitten by snakes, followed by Banshkhali, 20, and Patiya, 18. Other affected upazilas include Hathazari, 10, Raozan, 9, Rangunia, 8, Satkania, 6, Anwara, 5, Chandanaish, 3, Sitakunda, 3, Fatikchhari, 3, Mirsarai, 3, Sandwip, 2, and Lohagara, 2.
Hathazari Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Tapas Kanti Majumdar said 10 snakebite patients had been admitted to the upazila health complex since the floods began.
“All patients recovered after receiving treatment. We have sufficient anti-venom in stock,” he said.
Experts attribute the rise in incidents to snakes being displaced from their natural habitats by heavy rainfall and floodwaters.
“Flooding forces snakes out of their burrows and into homes and elevated areas. People should be cautious while moving around, especially at night,” Dr Majumdar said.
He advised residents to avoid traditional healers and seek treatment at the nearest government hospital immediately after a snakebite.
“Using mosquito nets while sleeping, keeping household surroundings clean and carrying a flashlight after dark can help reduce the risk,” he added.
Dr Abdullah Abu Sayeed, coordinator of the country’s only Venom Research Centre, said Bangladesh is home to around 110 snake species, but only 21 are venomous.
“An estimated 400,000 people suffer snakebites every year, and around 7,500 die from them. Many of these deaths occur because victims delay seeking proper medical care,” he said.
He noted that reliance on traditional remedies remains common in rural areas, often resulting in life-threatening delays.
Chittagong Civil Surgeon Dr Jahangir Alam said the recent flooding had significantly increased human-snake encounters.
“Floodwaters have driven snakes out of their shelters, leading to a noticeable rise in snakebite cases. There is no need for panic, as anti-venom is available at government hospitals,” he said.
“All 118 patients have recovered, and we currently have enough anti-venom in stock to treat around 1,000 patients.”
