Deaths from Krait Bites on the Rise in Bangladesh; Special Caution Urged During Monsoon and Autumn

Staff Reporter | PNN:

This year, the number of people bitten by kraits and dying from their bites has increased in Bangladesh. According to statistics from Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, from January to 15 September, the highest number of patients—76—were bitten by kraits. During the same period, 50 people were bitten by Russell’s vipers and 49 by cobras. The highest number of deaths occurred from krait bites with 17 fatalities, followed by 10 from Russell’s vipers and 5 from cobra bites.

According to Chittagong Medical College Hospital, four patients bitten by kraits have been admitted since May, three of whom came from Sandwip. The Bangladesh Toxicology Society reports that there are around 90 species of snakes in the country, seven to eight of which are highly venomous. The krait is among them. The most commonly seen type in Bangladesh is the slender krait, measuring 3 to 5 feet long, with black or bluish-black coloration.

Kraits are nocturnal snakes; they hide in bushes or dark places during the day, come out at night in search of food, and can even enter homes, sometimes reaching people’s beds. A single bite can inject 20 milligrams of neurotoxic venom, enough to be fatal. The venom attacks the human nervous system, paralyzing limbs and obstructing the respiratory tract. Symptoms may not appear immediately but within 6 to 12 hours, the victim experiences severe pain in various parts of the body.

Dr. Abu Shaheen, Associate Professor at Rajshahi Medical College, advises using mosquito nets while sleeping at night to prevent krait bites and seeking immediate medical attention if bitten. Special caution is necessary during the monsoon and autumn months when kraits are more active.