Dr. Muhammad Mahtab Hossain Mazed

Recently, the infestation of poisonous and ferocious Chandrabora or Russell Viper has increased at an alarming rate in the country. People are spending days in fear of this snake attackAccording to the report of the World Health Organization, at least 580,000 people are bitten by snakes in Bangladesh every year and 6,000 of them die.

Russell Viper's Bengali name is Chandrabora or Ulubora. It is one of the few highly venomous snakes in Bangladesh. The scientific name of Russell's viper is Daboyia russelli, a highly venomous snake in the family Viparidae. This snake is especially common in the Indian subcontinent and is one of the four largest snakes in India. Russell's viper has spotted markings on its body. And there are round marks between the long lines on the python's body.

In 1796, Scottish surgeon and naturalist Patrick Russell gave a detailed description of this snake in his book 'An Account of Indian Serpents, Collected on the Coast of Coromandel'. The snake was later named Russell's viper after him.

While other snakes shy away from humans, the Russell's viper attacks humans. This snake is usually more active during the day. Russell's vipers avoid dense forests and open fields filled with grass, nesting in bushes.

Although the rate of Russel viper bites in Bangladesh is not very high, according to the BBC, at least 43% of snakebites in India and 30-40% in Sri Lanka are caused by Russel vipers every year.

This Russell viper has become a cause of headache all over the country even though it was once said to be extinct in the country. Although native to Barendra region, the snake now rules at least 25 districts of the country. Reached Chandpur, Barisal, Patuakhali. Most of the floods are in Manikganj, Faridpur, Shariatpur along with Padma, Meghna and Yamuna basins, due to which at least 10 people, most of them farmers and fishermen, have died this year. Even in Manikganj district next to Dhaka, 5 people have died due to Russel viper bites in the last three months.

The Russell Viper looks a lot like a baby python. The short and slender tailed reptile ranges from three to five feet in length. The head is flat, triangular and distinct from the neck. Dark brown round spots like the moon all over the body. Due to this physical feature, the Russell Viper can hide itself very easily in dry leaves or rice fields. It is also known as Chandrabora or Ulubora.

Russell's viper is the fifth most venomous snake in the world. But its position is first in terms of violence and attack. This snake is so quick to attack that it can complete the entire bite process in less than 16th of a second. Loud when angry. Just like a pressure cooker.

Russell viper's venom is hematotoxic, causing suppuration at the affected site. The wound swells within five minutes of exposure. The bite of this snake can spread poison in the bitten part of the body and cause various physical complications including limb loss, continuous bleeding, blood clots, nerve damage, heavy eyes, paralysis, kidney and lung infections.

But surprisingly, this species of snake was thought to have disappeared from Bangladesh many years ago. But since the last 10-12 years, evidence of this snake bite incident is again being found. Research is underway in Bangladesh on how this species of snake is returning to the region.

While most snakes lay eggs, Russell vipers give birth to young. Female Russell vipers usually give birth to 20 to 40 young at the end of pregnancy. But there is a record of giving up to 80 babies. On the one hand, Russell's viper is increasing due to the high reproductive capacity, as well as the presence of sufficient food for snakes, including mice, frogs. On the other hand, this snake's enemy fox, beeji, guisap are decreasing in nature, thus helping in its spread.

According to the doctor, Gokhro snake bite can die after an average of 8 hours, Keute snake bite after 18 hours and Chandrabora (Russell Viper) snake bite after an average of 72 hours or three days. In most cases it is necessary to apply antivenom during this period. After a snake bite or sting, if antivenom is injected quickly, the antibodies to the antivenom neutralize the venom. As a result the life or limb of the affected person is saved.

> What to do if bitten by a snake:

* Stay calm and get immediate medical attention.

* Do not approach Ojha if you are bitten by any snake, not just Russell Viper. Instead of going near Ojha, go to the nearest Upazila Health Complex, District Headquarters Hospital or Medical College Hospital as soon as possible and apply specific antivenom as per the doctor's advice. In this case, if possible, to identify the snake that has bitten, take a picture of the snake and show it to the local forest officer and doctor.

* Move as little as possible on the part of the body where the snake has bitten. Remove the watch or jewelry if it falls.

* Loosen the knot of the cloth, but do not untie it.

> What not to do if bitten by a snake:

* Try to suck out the venom from the bite site.

* Attempting to draw out the venom by further cutting or bleeding the bite site.

* Applying ice, heat or any kind of chemical to the wound.

* Leave the affected person alone.

* Tightly bandage the bite site. This will not stop the venom from spreading and may even paralyze the victim.

* One should also refrain from catching poisonous snakes. Even dead snakes should be handled with caution, as the nerves of freshly killed snakes may remain fresh for some time after death and may sting.

> Follow these tips to stay safe from Russell Vipers:

* Awareness raising: Learn better about the Russell Viper's life cycle and habitat. It is possible to avoid danger if you know where and how it can be. If its presence can be observed in the field of agricultural work, so make the farmer brothers aware. They are not online oriented so it is your responsibility to make them aware.
* Dressing: If visiting an area where Russell's vipers are likely to be present, wear high boots and thick pants.
* Keeping clean: Keep the bushes around the homestead clean and litter free. Thus the hiding place of the snake is reduced.
* Use of light: Use torch when going out at night. Russell vipers are usually active at night, so follow the trail at night with a light.
* Know local health center information: Find out which local health centers have anti-venom available. It is important to seek medical attention quickly in times of danger. Keep their contact number with you.
Finally, the Russell Viper is a highly venomous snake, and its bite can be life-threatening. With proper awareness, precautions, and knowledge of first aid, it is possible to protect yourself and others from the dangers of these snakes. It is best to keep a safe distance from the snake without disturbing it in any way. Our public awareness is necessary to stay free from the bites of terrible snakes like Russell's viper if we are aware and careful.

The writer is a, columnist and researcher Founder and Chairman, Jatiya Rogi Kallyan Society