Kitevision CBO and Kenya Herpetofauna Working Group, Nature Kenya, Reptile Study Group Kenya, Kenya Red Cross Kitengela conducted an information dissemination campaign to raise awareness among residents about what to do if a snake attacks.
The campaign was launched to mark International Snakebite Awareness Day.
The talk was given by volunteers from the organizations at the Kenya Red Cross Grounds, Kitengela.
The talk featured information from volunteers on how to treat snake bites, safety tips, types and locations of snakes in Kajiado, neighboring counties, and the importance of snakes in nature via banners.
“Snakes are a very important part of our ecosystem. They are nature’s best pest control and play an integral role in keeping the number of rats and mice at bay. These rodents carry disease and destroy crops,” said Frank Swanapool, from KiteVison CBO.
Atubwa, the Chairperson for Herpetofaurna Working Group stated that there were approximately 3,600 snake species worldwide. Kenya has 140 known snake species. 75% are completely innocuous, while 25% have venom. The country’s most venomous snakes is 10%. Bite victims can be treated with antivenom.
Atubwa revealed the black mambas were among the most dangerous snakes in Kenya, along with Puff Adder, Cobra and Boomslang.
He said that if one is attacked by a snake, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
“Before being administered the anti-venom, the doctor might ask the type of snake going by how it behaved so that they can administer an anti-venom which will stop the spread of the venom in the victim’s body,” added Atubwa.
Kajiado County’s most common snakes include the black mamba (or carpet snake), red cobra, carpet snake, brown spitting snake, and the puff adder.
Lea Chiko, Kitevison, stated that the best way for avoiding getting hurt by a serpent is to leave it alone when you see it. Most snakebites occur when people attempt to capture or kill a serpent.
Snakes pose little to no danger if left alone. Snakes are usually more comfortable retreating when they are threatened, but can become defensive if threatened.
She also stated that snakes are more common in hot seasons because they are cold-blooded animals.
“Right now, since it’s hot, you will find snakes roaming around to look for cooler areas hence finding snakes at your homes. If you see a snake, the best thing to do is to let it go and call Nature Kenya for help. Parents should also be vigilant with their children when they are playing outside in bushes to make sure that they are at least playing in groups where they will be able to call for help faster when attacked by a snake,” she said.
Residents were also encouraged not to go out at night without flashlights or torches, as snakes often showed up in the evenings.
“Snakes may come out during the night especially when during the hot weather since the snakes will wait until nightfall and they can delay the hunting up to the time that the environment is cool during the evening. If you have a business to do outside let’s say going to the toilet or walking late at night, use a torch or the flashlight of your phone to avoid being bitten by one,” added Chiko.
The speakers also dispelled the myth that snakes are sent to you by someone who doesn’t wish you well.
“Traditionally, people believe that when you see a snake, they think it’s an evil eye. That’s not the case. It could be that you have an open source of water and snakes may be thirsty hence they will come to the water, or they have come to hide at your house,” explained Chiko.
Jacinta Chege is the co-founder of Reptile Study Group Kenya. She stated that once a snake has bit you, it is best to remain calm and call for help.
“Once someone has been bitten by a poisonous snake, the best thing is to be calm and not to panic and call for emergency help. It may take some time for help to reach you so it is important to apply basic first aid. This includes washing the bite with water. Keep the person calm and at rest, have the person lie down with the affected limb on the top, immobilize the person where they have been bitten, cover the wound with loose clothing since sterile bandage can be hard to find,” she said.
However, she debunked the myth that venom can be sucked out as it can put one at risk of getting poisoned in their mouths.
“Cutting, sucking or cutting off the blood supply to a bite could damage nerves and blood vessels and lead to infection. An emergency treatment is required for poisonous bites. Also, traditional methods will not work when one has been bitten by a snake,” added Chege.
“For a non-venomous snake bite, one should administer local wound care on the snake bite, removing snake teeth if left in the bite site, attending to any trauma on the bite site, and a tetanus booster if needed. Some wounds may become infected and require additional treatment with antibiotics,” she said.
Kyalo Kinyanzui, one of the beneficiaries of the talk, said that he was able to understand the types of snakes that can be found in his region and learn basic first aid.
“I have enjoyed the session. My son and I have learned how to avoid snake bites and how to treat them. We also learned how to administer first aid to get the person to the hospital. I have also debunked the myth of what types of liquids one should use after they have been bitten by a snake to only water,” said Kyalo.
WHO estimates that 5.4 million people are bitten every year, with as many as 2.7 million being envenomed. In Kenya, the average number of snake bites per 100,000 people was 13.8.
By Vivian Mbinya
Source: kenyanews
