Kerala on alert: Series of snakebite incidents reported from Kannur to Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A series of snakebite incidents across Kerala has resulted in two deaths and left four others, including a teenager, hospitalised. The tragedies have prompted local forest officials to conduct searches in several residential areas.

Fatalities reported in Idukki and Kannur

Two elderly women lost their lives following separate incidents over the weekend:

• Idukki: 86-year-old Vishalakshi of Kanjar, Thodupuzha, passed away after being bitten while picking mangoes in her yard at noon on Sunday. Despite reaching a neighbour's house to seek help before collapsing, she could not be saved. Forest officials were unable to locate the snake. Her funeral is scheduled for 2:00 PM on Monday at her son's residence in Kaippakavala. She is survived by four children and three daughters-in-law.
• Kannur: Nabeesa (65), a native of Pattuvam, died on Sunday morning at Pariyaram Medical College. She was bitten on Friday afternoon at her rented home, reportedly by a Common Krait. Despite receiving antivenom treatment, she succumbed to the venom two days later.

Ongoing hospitalizations and recoveries

Four others are currently receiving medical care across the state, with varying degrees of severity:

• Pattuvam, Kannur: In a second incident from the same locality, Namboron Narayani (79) was bitten while collecting coconut fiber. She is currently on a ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit at Kannur Medical College.
• Srinipuram, Kottayam: 13-year-old Anand is being treated at Kottayam Medical College. He was bitten on Sunday afternoon in Nedumkavuvayal, and his family suspects the attacker was a Viper. He was stabilised with antivenom at the Erumeli Community Health Center before being moved to the specialty ward.
• Kollam: Sudevan (47) is in satisfactory condition at Kollam District Hospital after being bitten by a Saw-scaled Viper while cleaning his house on Sunday morning.
• Cherai Beach: Sharmila (38), a tourist from Coimbatore, was bitten behind a resort at Cherai Beach. Doctors believe the snake was non-venomous, and she remains under observation.

Additional Snakebite Reports

Kitchen incident at Pullampara

In a separate incident, Sheeba (45), a resident of Pullampara Maruthummoodu, is currently undergoing treatment at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. Yesterday afternoon, while collecting firewood in her kitchen, Sheeba reached for what she believed was a dry branch. Unbeknownst to her, a Rat snake was resting among the wood. Mistaking the snake for firewood, she attempted to pick it up and was bitten.

Twelve-Year battle ends in Kayamkulam

The community of Kayamkulam Cheravalli is mourning the death of James (60), whose passing marks the end of a tragic twelve-year ordeal. Over a decade ago, James was bitten by a viper in his courtyard, an event that left him with permanent, debilitating health issues.

Following the bite, James suffered a stroke and required major surgery to address a blood clot in his brain. He spent a significant portion of the last twelve years unconscious or in a semi-conscious state due to these complications. He is survived by his wife, Reena, and his son, Robin.