One Crucial Reason You Must Know The Specie of Snakes.
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A health expert has said it is important to know the species of snakes.
Professor Tanimola Akande said this in a chat with PUNCH Health Wise.
He emphasised the need to learn for accidents such as snake bites.
Prof Akande said that knowing the species of snakes will help treat persons infected with snake poison.
He also shared first aid tips on how to handle snake bites.
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The health expert said:
In a report obtained from NAN, rural dwellers in Nigeria are affected by reptiles.
The victims of snake bites in recent time has been on the rise. This is due to the hot weather forcing snakes out of their holes.
Several persons have been attacked on farms, houses, roads and other places.
The worst-hit states in this time are;
In 2021, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunimbe Mamora said there was a high report of snake bites in 12 states.
He also said Nigeria records 15,000 to 20,000 yearly.
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Dr Mamora said the statistics are 479 persons in 100,000 people.
His words:
“Nigeria records an average of 15,000 to 20,000 cases of snakebite every year. With about 2,000 people killed and between 1,700 and 2,000 people whose legs or arms are amputated to save their lives after snakebite.
“States with the most cases of snakebite in the country are Gombe, Plateau, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Nasarawa, Enugu, Kogi, Kebbi, Oyo, Benue and Taraba.”
The professor urged people in rural areas to always clear the bushes in the farmland. He also added that hiding places such as toilets and other holes should be completely sealed.
“In highly infested areas, anti-snake sprays or powders can also be used. They are to be used with utmost caution. It is also important to be alert and get the environment well lit so that snakes can easily be seen.
“Care should be taken when opening areas where snakes are likely to be hiding, including toilets.”
Source: PUNCH Health Wise
