Be prepared for snakes in spring!

By Amina Nazarli

Spring, a season for outdoor activities, sometimes is a time when some animals and insects become more active.

When outside temperatures increase in the spring, snakes become more active in search of food. They also bask in sunny areas and move to find mates or give birth.

April and May in Azerbaijan are usually dangerous months which makes it a whole lot more likely you will encounter a snake.

During this period snakes are prone to attack a person, even at a distance of 500 meters.

Since the beginning of spring, Azerbaijan has reported two cases of snake bite.

Chief toxicologist of the Health Ministry Azer Magsudov said that many appeals have been made to the hospital because of snake bites with coming the warm weather.

“Recently, we have hospitalized a 27-year-old woman bitten by snake. Her condition is assessed as moderate. The second patient has been in hospital for 12 days. His health condition is serious. He miraculously survived after the dangerous encounter. The snake bit him in the leg. The patient suffer from intoxication. Currently, he is on the mend, despite the fact that the first 4-5 days were very critical,” he said.

Azerbaijan is the country inhabited by 23 species of snakes. Some four of venomous and the others are non venomous. Another type of venomous snake -- horned viper, has been found only once in Azerbaijan’s Ganja region in 1845. But after that no one saw them across the country.

The Transcaucasian viper, steppe viper, copperhead snake, and Asia Minor viper [which is listed in the Red Book of rare Azerbaijani animals and insects], are among the most poisonous snakes that are found in the country.

Remember never try to cut or squeeze the bite, or suck the poison out with your mouth.

The snake venom left on skin or clothes is not dangerous. It is dangerous when the poison gets into the blood.

Be careful while exploring and enjoying the nature! Stay away from fallen trees and areas of high grass. Carefully examine rocks before sitting on them.

Know how to distinguish poisonous snakes from non-toxic ones. Dangerous snakes usually tend to be shiny and colorful.

Severe venomous snake bites can cause serious symptoms, such as muscle paralysis and anaphylaxis, rapid heartbeat and may be fatal.

Every one must have certain skills in the event of a snake bite. So, first of all it is necessary to tie up the wound with a sterile bandage. Otherwise injury can quickly become infected.

In case of bite, one should obligatory visit the nearest emergency department, according to Magsudov, where serum is introduced for free.