Kerala is experiencing unusually intense heat and humidity, and amid these extreme conditions, another threat is emerging—rising snakebite cases. Several incidents have been reported of children being bitten by snakes within the house premises.
The latest case involves an eight-year-old boy, Dikshal, from Chirayinkeezhu in Thiruvananthapuram district, who died after being bitten by a snake while asleep. Earlier, another boy, Aljo, from Kodaly in Thrissur, also died of a snakebite after being bitten by a krait. His brother, Anoj, was also bitten.
Both children showed symptoms such as frothing at the mouth, following which their father rushed them to a private hospital in Chalakudy. By the time they reached the hospital, Aljo had already died. It was only after further examination that the cause was confirmed to be a snakebite.
In this context, THE WEEK spoke to Muhammed Anwar Yunus, Assistant Conservator of Forests and state nodal officer for SARPA (Snake Awareness Rescue and Protection App), which provides rapid response to snake-related incidents.
High activity phase
Snakes are found in almost all habitats, including human settlements. They play a crucial ecological role by controlling populations of rats and rodents, which spread diseases like leptospirosis and plague and damage crops. Most snakes in Kerala are non-venomous and harmless, with fewer than ten species posing serious danger to humans.
The main venomous land snakes include the cobra, krait (also known as shankhuvarayan or ettadi veeran), Russell’s viper, saw-scaled viper, pit vipers, and king cobra. Among these, most snakebite incidents in Kerala involve cobras, Russell’s vipers, and kraits.
Yunus notes that the extreme summer heat is driving snakes out of their burrows. As cold-blooded animals, snakes cannot regulate their body temperature or sweat, so they come out in search of cooler conditions. This is also the breeding season, which increases the likelihood of human-snake encounters and makes this a period that requires extra caution.
Reducing risk at home
According to the expert, two key factors attract snakes: hideouts and prey. Hideouts include overgrown vegetation, piles of firewood, heaps of coconuts, burrows, cracks, and shaded areas. Reducing such conditions by maintaining cleanliness, stacking materials properly, ensuring adequate lighting in storage areas, and exercising caution while handling plant pots can significantly lower risk.
The presence of prey is another important factor. Poor waste management attracts rats, which in turn draw snakes such as rat snakes, cobras, and kraits. Similarly, homes that rear birds may attract certain snake species that prey on birds and eggs.
Entry points into houses also need attention. Open doors, gaps beneath doors, and structural openings can allow snakes to enter. Creepers and ornamental plants can act as pathways, especially if they connect to windows or vents, while overhanging tree branches can provide easy access. These should be trimmed or managed carefully.
Yunus emphasises that extreme caution is particularly necessary in April and May, while snakebite incidents generally decline with the onset of rains. He also points out that panic has led to the killing of many non-venomous snakes, even though they are ecologically beneficial and harmless in most cases.
Rescue systems in place
Snakes are an important part of the ecosystem, and non-venomous species found in residential areas do not necessarily need to be removed. The Kerala Forest Department has a well-established response system, with more than 1,200 certified snake rescuers across the state. If a venomous snake is found near or inside a building, people are advised to contact these rescuers through the SARPA mobile application or district coordinators. The service is free and designed for quick response.
What to do in case of a snakebite
Immediate medical treatment is critical in the event of a snakebite, as delays can be fatal. The only effective treatment for serious envenomation is the timely administration of anti-venom. It is important to keep the victim calm and avoid unnecessary movement or exertion, as this can accelerate the spread of venom.
Practices such as cutting the wound, attempting to bleed it, or trying to suck out the venom should be strictly avoided, as they can cause further complications. Even washing the wound with soap can inadvertently increase venom spread due to the massage effect. The bite area should not be tightly tied or excessively manipulated, although a light bandage may be applied to limit movement.
The priority is to transport the patient as quickly as possible to a hospital equipped with anti-venom and trained medical personnel. The SARPA app can help identify such facilities in advance, reducing delays. Experts also caution against attempting to capture or kill the snake and bring it to the hospital, as this wastes valuable time and poses additional risk. Notably, the same anti-venom is used for bites from cobra, krait, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper.