A 35-year-old man from Panduka, Kharkhand, India, Santosh Lohar, reportedly bit a snake to death after being bitten by the snake.
According to UK Mail Online, Lohar was asleep when the snake attacked him, prompting him to grab the reptile with an iron rod and bite it twice.
The incident took place at a labourer’s base camp where railway lines were being laid through a forested area.
When asked about his actions, Lohar told India Today, “In my village, there’s a belief that if a snake bites you, you must bite it back twice to neutralize the venom.”
While venomous snake bites can be deadly, biting a snake is unlikely to have any effect on the venom.
Snake venom is stored in glands and only becomes dangerous when it enters the bloodstream. Otherwise, it remains a protein-like substance.
Interestingly, snake venom has medicinal applications and is used to treat various conditions, including cancer, high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.
The type of snake that bit Lohar has not been identified. He was taken to a nearby hospital, treated with antivenom, and released the following day.
Bihar, where the railway construction was taking place, is among the top three states in India for snakebite incidents, with about 4,500 deaths annually, according to the National Health Mission.
India has nearly 300 snake species, more than 60 of which are highly venomous.
The Indian Cobra, Russell’s viper, common krait, and saw-scaled viper, often referred to as the “Big Four,” are particularly notorious for their powerful venom and the number of bites they cause each year.
A 2020 study revealed that Russell’s viper was responsible for 43 percent of all snakebites in India from 2000 to 2019.
Kraits accounted for 18 percent, and cobras for 12 percent. These bites contain neurotoxins that can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, difficulty breathing, pain, and swelling.
The venom attacks the circulatory, nervous, and muscular systems and can damage capillary vessels, leading to internal bleeding and blood clots.
Capillaries, the smallest and most numerous blood vessels, connect arteries to veins. Venomous snake bites can cause serious medical emergencies, including shock, paralysis, hemorrhage, acute kidney injury, and severe local tissue damage, potentially leading to death or permanent disability if untreated.
Doctors recommend immediate medical attention following a snake bite, removing rings and watches to prevent complications from swelling.
Taking a photo of the snake can help medical professionals identify the species and provide appropriate treatment. While waiting for help, it’s advisable to sit in a neutral position to slow the venom’s spread and clean the bite with soap and water.
