3 dead as 555 people bitten by snakes in Chandpur in nine months

A total of 555 people have fallen ill from snake bites in eight upazilas of the district between January 1 and September 30 this year, resulting in three deaths — one in Haimchar and two in Kachua.

According to the District Civil Surgeon’s Office and the 250-bed Chandpur Government General Hospital, timely access to anti venom has helped reduce fatalities compared to previous years. However, health officials stressed the need for greater public awareness about prompt medical treatment following snake bites.

The data shows that Matlab Uttar upazila recorded the highest number of cases, with 170 people bitten by snakes, followed by 131 cases in Hajiganj. Fortunately, no deaths occurred in these two upazilas.

In Kachua upazila, two people died after being bitten by snakes.

 Health officials said both victims were taken to local ojha ( person who provides treatment to snake bite patients through traditional ways) before being brought to the hospital, which caused fatal delays.

“There are still many superstitions in rural areas,” said Dr. 

Sohel Rana, Kachua Upazila Health Officer. “People often go to traditional healers instead of seeking proper treatment. In many cases, patients could survive if they were brought to the hospital in time.”
Meanwhile, in Haimchar upazila, Sohel Gazi, 35, died on October 7 after being bitten by a snake while selling milk at Ishanbala Bazar.

 Despite receiving anti venom at the Chandpur Government General Hospital, he died.

“When the patient arrived, he was already in critical condition — unable to hold his head up or open his eyes,” said Dr. Anisur Rahman, the on-duty physician. “We administered anti venom immediately, but the snake was highly venomous. Often, delayed hospital arrival makes it difficult to save lives.”

Hospital officials confirmed that Chandpur Sadar Hospital received 150 vials of anti venom this year. Of them, 120 vials have been used to treat 12 patients, and 30 vials remain in stock, said Senior Staff Nurse Sadek Ali.

Dr. Md. Shakhawat Hossain, Medical Officer at the District Civil Surgeon’s Office, said all upazila health complexes currently have anti venom in stock following directives from higher authorities.

“According to our latest data, excluding Sadar Hospital, the seven upazilas have 119 vials of anti venom in reserve,” he said. “People should bring snakebite victims to the nearest hospital immediately — anti venom is available free of charge at all upazila health complexes.”

Doctors continue to urge villagers to avoid traditional healers and seek immediate medical attention, as quick administration of anti venom remains the most effective way to save lives from snake bites.