Kerala snakebite toll rises to seven; two women die in Kannur and Idukki

Kerala is currently on high alert following a sudden spike in snakebite fatalities.

Fatal snakebite incidents claimed the lives of two elderly women in the districts of Kannur and Idukki on Sunday. With these two deaths, Kerala’s snakebite death toll has reached seven.

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Nabeesa (70) of Muthukuttu, who was bitten by a snake at her home in Pattuvam, Taliparamba, Kannur, died on Sunday. Nabeesa was admitted to Pariyaram Medical College Hospital last Friday after a snakebite. She was given antivenom. She was on ventilator treatment, but died on Sunday morning.

On Sunday afternoon, a 75-year-old woman died after being bitten by a snake near her house at Kanjar in Idukki district.. Though she was rushed to a nearby hospital, her life could not be saved. The deceased was identified as Vishalakshi.

Earlier on Thursday in Thiruvananthapuram, an 8-year-old boy, Dikshal, died after being bitten by a cobra while sleeping on the floor of his house.

Aljo Siljo died the other day after a krait bite while sleeping with his family. His elder brother, who was also bitten by the snake, survived after receiving treatment. In Alappuzha, a 42-year-old woman, Saleena, died on Thursday following a suspected snakebite. Her family has alleged medical negligence, claiming that anti-venom was not administered.

Indira, 65, from Alappuzha, died the other day after being bitten by a snake. She died despite being administered anti-venom treatment.

Meanwhile, a tourist was bitten by a snake at Cherai in Ernakulam. Sharmila, a native of Coimbatore, was bitten by a snake while she was staying at a resort in Cherai. She was admitted to a nearby hospital.

Experts have warned that extreme heat is driving snakes into houses in search of cooler shelter and prey.