Scientists have a headache finding ways to deal with venomous snake bites

British scientists have found new ways to reduce the number of deaths and disabilities caused by snake bites .

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 140,000 people worldwide die each year from venomous snake bites, while 400,000 survivors are left with disabilities. Despite the seriousness of this problem, people often ignore it.

A team of scientists from the University of Exeter in the UK have come up with solutions to the problem. They asked 535 residents of Tamil Nadu in India to fill out a survey.

Some venomous snake bites can be fatal within minutes if not treated immediately.

This is an area where people are frequently bitten by snakes. India is also home to many extremely venomous snakes such as banded kraits, Indian cobras, and Russell's vipers.

Through the survey, the research team identified several steps that could reduce the danger of snakebites.

These steps include increasing snake education for communities living in dangerous areas; continuing to raise awareness of the role of snakes in the ecosystem as well as the ability to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes to reduce fear and danger when encountering snakes.

The team also recommends a pilot period when implementing new prevention measures in communities. They also recommend studying context-specific barriers and assessing the costs and benefits of unproven snakebite prevention measures.

In parallel, scientists are also expanding research on venomous snakes and factors that promote the adoption of preventive measures.

The study also found that more than half of people used government-recommended snake-prevention guidelines, such as keeping their homes tidy and using lights when out at night . However, 41% of people used unproven personal precautions. These included using salt, garlic, turmeric or bleach as snake repellant.

When bitten, to limit death, people can take note of the following:

Restrict the victim's movement.

Try to move the victim by vehicle or have someone carry them, absolutely do not let the victim move by themselves.

Combine measures such as bandaging the entire bitten arm and leg with elastic to limit blood flow to the heart for a short time, then move the victim to the nearest medical facility.

Absolutely do not cut the bite wound, especially with a viper bite, it will cause dangerous bleeding.

Scientists stress that snakebite prevention measures must be relevant to the public in order to be widely adopted. The solution to reducing snakebite deaths is a combination of education and action.

Education helps raise awareness of snakes, change behaviour and reduce the risk of snakebites. Finally, providing protective and medical measures helps reduce the danger of snakebites.

In parallel, scientists are also expanding research on venomous snakes and factors that promote the adoption of preventive measures.

The study also found that more than half of people used government-recommended snake-prevention guidelines, such as keeping their homes tidy and using lights when out at night . However, 41% of people used unproven personal precautions. These included using salt, garlic, turmeric or bleach as snake repellant

When bitten, to limit death, people can take note of the following:

Restrict the victim's movement.

Try to move the victim by vehicle or have someone carry them, absolutely do not let the victim move by themselves.

Combine measures such as bandaging the entire bitten arm and leg with elastic to limit blood flow to the heart for a short time, then move the victim to the nearest medical facility. Absolutely do not cut the bite wound , especially with a viper bite, it will cause dangerous bleeding.