Open House: What needs to be done to avoid adverse encounters with snakes this monsoon?

Organise campaigns to raise awareness

First and foremost, awareness campaigns should be organised to raise public awareness about snakebite and how to prevent it. Encourage people to wear protective clothing and footwear when they are in ‘snake-prone’ areas. Keep your house and surroundings clean, remove clutter, and seal any gaps that could allow snakes inside. Ensure prompt access to medical facilities and anti-venom in affected areas. Implementing these strategies can reduce the number of snakebite incidents and save lives.

Japleen kaur

Call forest and wildlife helpline

If anybody spots a snake in and around their house in Ludhiana, they can contact Forest and Wildlife Department helpline at 18001802323. Common krait and cobra are the species that lead to most snakebite-related mortalitiIties here. Common krait is a silent killer and is nocturnal. Generally, little or no pain is experienced from their bite, which provide false reassurance to the victim. — Jaswant singh, Forest range officer (Wildlife)

Keep surroundings clean of leaf piles

One must first learn the basics about snakes and take proper precautions. Avoiding tall grass and bushes can help prevent snakebite because snakes frequently seek shelter in dense vegetation. Wearing protective clothing reduces the risk of snakebite. Use a torch to move around in the dark. Keep your surroundings free of piles of leaves, wood and other items that could attract snakes. Seal your house properly to keep snakes out. Avoid leaving food or waste around because it attracts rodents, which attract snakes. By remaining vigilant and taking these precautions, one can avoid being bitten by a snake this monsoon.

Manmeen kaur

Be more cautious at night, use torch

The number of snakebite cases has increased since the monsoon arrived. At least three people have already died in such incidents. There have been nearly 50 reports of snakebite in Ludhiana so far. This is a worrying situation. In May, the Ludhiana Civil Hospital received four cases, in June, twelve and in July, it received five cases. Snakebite cases rise during the monsoon as the pits where the reptiles live get filled with water and they have to seek shelter in shrubs and bushes. Snakebite symptoms include redness and swelling around the bite area, nausea, blurred vision, difficulty breathing and numbness in the face and limbs. Residents should be informed on how to administer first aid to snakebite victims. First, calm the person down, clean the wound with bathing soap, do not cut or attempt to remove the venom, cover the wound with a loose sterile bandage, remove shoes if the leg or feet was bitten, and transport him to the civil hospital immediately. Residents should be more cautious during the monsoon. Wearing heavy boots is among the most effective ways to avoid snake bites. Be cautious at night, use a torch. Snakes are difficult to spot and are more likely to bite if someone steps on them or comes too close. Do not walk barefoot or wear sandals. Be cautious around water, as snakes are drawn to rivers and ponds. When moving through tall grass or weeds, poke the ground in front of you with a long stick to scare snakes away. Research shows cinnamon oil, clove oil and eugenol are effective snake repellents.

Sukhdev sharma

Medical preparedness is crucial

To address the heightened risk of snakebite during the monsoon, a multifaceted approach is required. There is a need to prioritise public awareness and education. Residents should be informed about snake behaviour, identification and prevention methods. Moreover, medical preparedness is critical. Local hospitals and clinics must have trained staff and be well-stocked with anti-venom. To deter rodents that attract snakes, authorities should practice environmental management, such as clearing vegetation and improving waste management. Long-term strategies should also include habitat modification using snake repellents and physical barriers, as well as community-led initiatives to keep the environment clean. Research and monitoring of snake behaviour and bite incidents can also help identifying high-risk areas and developing better control measures. The authorities should encourage the formation of local groups to monitor snake populations. Furthermore, personal safety practices such as wearing protective clothing and sealing homes against snake entry should be encouraged. By implementing these comprehensive measures, communities can effectively reduce the risk of snake bites while improving public safety during the monsoon.

Tamanpreet kaur khangura

Hospital staff should be well trained

Since late June, the city has witnessed numerous serious cases of snakebite. To avoid being bitten by a snake, residents should take the following preventative measures both indoors and outdoors: When going outside, avoid shorts and wear shoes with a thick membrane. Be cautious while moving through bushes or grassy areas. Avoid going out at night in bushy areas, but if necessary, use a torch. Always inspect your shoes and footwear before wearing them. Keep plants away from doors and windows for snakes like to hide in the pots and may climb in using the branches. Trim creeper and tree branches to prevent. Hospitals and the MC should ensure adequate medical supplies and nursing staff are available for snakebite patients. Residents should remain calm in the event of a snakebite and rush to the nearest hospital for proper treatment.

Sehajbir singh

Avoid unscientific traditional methods

Snakebite is still a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in resource-constrained countries such as India. According to the WHO, at least 50,000 people die in India each year as a result of snakebite, though actual data appears to be inadequate. Though most snakes are non-venomous, envenomation is a true emergency that require prompt examination and treatment. Envenomation symptoms in humans include rapid early extension of local swelling, tightening of facial muscles within 1-2 hours of the bite, inability of the victim to see or speak, respiratory distress, ptosis of the eyes, spontaneous systemic bleeding, particularly from the gums and bite site, haematuria and epistaxis. Other symptoms include passage of dark brown urine and unconsciousness with or without respiratory arrest. Animals exhibit symptoms such as local tissue damage, blood coagulation defects, ataxia, and so on. For first aid, we should try to slow systemic absorption of the venom by immobilising the limb in the same way that we would a fractured limb. To hold the splints in place, use bandages or cloth, however, do not block the blood supply or apply pressure. Stay ‘nil by mouth’ before receiving proper treatment. Remove shoes, rings, watches, jewellery, or tight clothing from the bite area. Do not temper the blisters and don’t waste time attempting to kill or catch the snake. Take a picture of the snake and have it identified by an expert to determine the venom’s toxicity. Do not wash or temper the wound with incision, suction, rubbing, massage or cautery, as this can lead to infection and increase bleeding. Discard traditional first aid methods such as black stones and scarification, as they can cause unnecessary delays in treatment. Only a competent doctor should administer the antidote. The victim dies largely due to delay in treatment, lack of anti-snake venom (ASV) or a ventilator, and inexperienced doctors. To mitigate the threat, residents must plug drain holes. Children should not be allowed to play in wet or soiled areas.

RS Sembhi

Do not panic, seek prompt treatment

Unfortunately, more than 20 snake bites have been reported in Ludhiana this monsoon. The most effective way to avoid snakebite is to wear thick shoes with high ankles while working in high snakebite risk areas. Use a torch at night. Snakes never bite unless provoked or threatened. So, do not be afraid when you spot a snake. Do not panic. If a snake bites you, rush to the nearby hospital and get first-aid. Though species are non-venomous, treatment is must. Avoid walking around barefoot at night.

Dr mohd saleem farooqui

Plant snake repellent species like marigold

Nature always finds a way to keep things balanced. Flowers thrive in our gardens, spreading their soothing fragrance, however, with this beauty and peace comes the fear of snakes. During the monsoon, snakes, that live in burrows, are forced to leave their shelters and seek refuge on higher ground when rainwater floods their habitat. Snakes live in grasslands and bushes and are mostly active at night, hunting for rodents, insects and bird eggs. Snakes typically bite for two reasons: predation and defence. Snakebite is a neglected public health concern because many cases go unreported. In many cases, a victim is unaware that he has been bitten by a snake, especially when moving through water or tall grass. Bites by venomous snakes can result in acute medical emergencies like severe paralysis, tissue death and red cell destruction. To prevent snakes from entering our homes, we should plant snake repellent plants like marigold and lemongrass in our gardens, because the ‘odour’ emitted by these plants make snakes uncomfortable as they slither past them.

Novin christopher

QUESTION

In blatant violation of the well-defined norms, tobacco and cigarette kiosks are operating with impunity in the vicinity of schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutes in Ludhiana. The 100 m restriction on operating such kiosks near educational institutions is being clearly flouted by proprietors. What should be done to check the illegal sale of tobacco products?

Suggestions in not more than 200 words can be sent to ludhianadesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (August 1)