A snakebite nearly turned fatal for a woman in Madhya Pradesh after she was reportedly bitten five times in just two minutes. Radha Bai, a resident of Jheel Pipariya village in Narmadapuram district, was initially taken for traditional treatment instead of being rushed to a hospital. By the time she reached medical care, doctors said she had her eyes closed and was struggling to breathe, suggesting that the venom was already seriously affecting her body.

Doctors immediately began treatment with anti-snake venom (ASV), the key treatment used to neutralise venom from medically important snakebites. According to the information available, Radha Bai received 10 ASV doses within the first 40 minutes, followed by further treatment over the next 24 hours. In total, she reportedly received 35 injections, including 25 doses of ASV and 10 atropine injections. Her case is a stark reminder that suspected venomous snakebites need urgent medical attention and that delays can be dangerous.

The threat is far bigger than a single monsoon incident. According to India’s federal government, around 50,000 people die from snakebites in the country every year, accounting for roughly half of the estimated snakebite deaths globally. A 2020 study cited by the BBC estimated that India may have recorded as many as 1.2 million snakebite deaths between 2000 and 2019, or around 58,000 deaths annually.

So why do snakes enter homes in the first place? Monsoon rains can flood burrows and other hiding places, forcing snakes to search for dry and sheltered spaces. Houses, garages, sheds and storerooms can become convenient hiding spots, particularly when they contain piles of wood, construction material or clutter. Rodents and insects around homes can also attract snakes because they provide a ready source of food

The best protection is to make your surroundings less inviting to snakes. Keep the area around the house free from rubbish, long grass, piles of wood and unnecessary clutter, and seal cracks and openings wherever possible. If you find a snake inside, do not attempt to become a rescuer yourself. Keep children, older people and pets away, maintain a safe distance and avoid touching, chasing, hitting or killing the animal.

Do not throw stones at the snake, poke it with a stick or pour chemicals on it in an attempt to make it leave. Such actions can provoke a defensive response and increase the risk of a bite. If it can be done safely from a distance, a photograph may help trained rescuers identify the snake, but never move closer simply to get a picture. Instead, isolate the area if possible and contact the local Forest Department, authorised wildlife rescue team or a trained snake rescuer.

If someone is bitten, the priority is getting them to a medical facility as quickly as possible. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe and do not rely on traditional remedies or attempt to cut the wound, suck out venom or use other unproven treatments. Keep the person as calm and still as possible while arranging emergency medical care. Anti-snake venom can be lifesaving when indicated, while hospitals can also provide respiratory support and other emergency treatment when venom affects the nervous system, muscles, blood pressure or heart.