Heading out for a hike? Learn about snake bite symptoms, first aid (and what NOT to do!), plus info on venomous snakes like the Palestine viper common in the Levant.
It’s crucial to exercise caution regarding snake bites, as they pose a risk of exposure to snake venom. This is particularly true if the bite comes from certain venomous species, especially those with a neurotoxic effect, which can have a short duration. Snake venom, in such cases, is highly dangerous, as it disrupts and accumulates large compounds of the toxin at the nerve endings, hindering nerve impulse transmission.
The snake venom, specifically the circulating venom, is widespread in many areas, particularly in the Levant region. This is due to its significant impact on the nervous system and muscles, which can lead to damage of red blood cells.
Common initial symptoms of a snake bite include severe pain that resembles a wasp sting or burn, signs of the bite on the skin, and swelling. Other signs that may indicate exposure include nausea, vomiting, sweating, pallor, psychological and mental changes, and fear. More advanced symptoms that may appear in cases of snake bites include death (gangrene), blisters, and wound discharge. Depending on the body’s systems, the matter may lead to disorders in blood clotting, bleeding in the brain, neurological disorders, heart and circulatory disorders, and kidney or liver failure.
When exposed to a snake bite, the injured person should seek immediate medical attention. Primary care that should be provided to the injured person before reaching the hospital or contacting paramedics is ensuring that the injured person is calm and prepared. It’s important to identify the type of snake that caused the bite and washing the bite location with water.
Do not – under any circumstances – cut (incise) the bite location, suck the blood from the bite location by mouth (blood sucking), or tie the injured limb, or try to suck the blood from it, similarly, do not put ice directly on the bite location, and do not allow the injured person to move to avoid or take any medications for pain, or make him drink alcoholic beverages.
The severity of the bite depends on the type and quantity of venom, as well as the age and body mass of the injured person, the time since exposure, and the nature of the bite itself. It’s important to identify the type of snake that caused the bite, including its colors and some of its characteristics. Identifying the type of snake will greatly assist physicians in treating the affected individual.
In the Levant region, there are many types of venomous snakes, but the most widespread is the Palestine viper (Vipera xanthina), which is characterized by its triangular head and brown spots in the shape of the letter V on its head, in addition to forms similar to eyes on both sides for venom secretion, its effects include the following when bitten.
snake bite, venom, Palestine viper, neurotoxic, symptoms, treatment
