Plateau hospital records 430 cases of snakebite in eight months

The Zamko Comprehensive Medical Centre, Langtang, Plateau state, has recorded 430 cases of snake bites in the last eight months.

Nyam Azi, a medical officer at the clinic, disclosed this to NAN, saying nine of the patients lost their lives, while some were still being treated.

He said the hospital was currently filled with snakebite patients, adding that the rural health facility, an outpost of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), was already overstretched.

“As we speak, the situation in the hospital is scary; we receive fresh victims of snakebites every day,” he said.

“Snakebites are common during the farming season because more people engage in outdoor activities. Some of the victims are children who dip their fingers into holes in search of rats.

“All the wards are filled with snakebite victims. Some of the admitted victims sleep on benches and along the corridors.”

Azi, however, said the mortality rate had reduced due to availability of the anti-snake venom.

“Unlike in the past when many victims died, many of those bitten have survived because we have the right drugs,” he said.

“The villagers have also become more enlightened and usually rush to the hospital immediately they are bitten. They no longer patronise traditional healers.”

The medical officer said 150 vials of anti-snake venom were donated to the hospital by JohnBull Shekarau, a member of the house of representatives.

He urged other office holders to emulate that gesture.

“The free drugs have helped indigent victims. Many of them, who usually refuse to come to the hospital because they could not afford the cost of the drugs, now rush here,’’ he said.