The city’s weather has become increasingly hot and humid, ushering in the high season for snake activity. Snakes tend to shelter in shady places, such as under trees and among bushes. And some are even found seeking refuge in apartments or vehicles to cool off.

As snake sightings become more frequent, reports of snakebite incidents have risen as well. On May 8, a man was hospitalized after being bitten by a pit viper on his right heel in Yantian District.

According to official data from Shenzhen 120 Emergency Services, nine residents have been treated for snakebites since May 1 this year. One notable case occurred on the night of May 12 near a hotel in Xiaomeisha Beach area, where a man was bitten on his lower right calf by a green snake. Emergency responders found him bleeding at the bite wound and discovered a dead bamboo pit viper nearby.

The man was immediately taken to the Emergency Room of Yantian District People’s Hospital by ambulance for treatment. After receiving anti-venom serum injections and a series of supportive symptomatic treatments, his condition stabilized and his was transferred to the general ward for further treatment. The man recovered and was discharged from the hospital a week later.

The man was swiftly transported to the Emergency Department of Yantian District People’s Hospital, where he received anti-venom serum and supportive treatments. His condition stabilized, and he was transferred to the general ward for further care. He recovered and was discharged a week later.

Official statistics show that Guangdong Province is home to 93 snake species, among which 33 are venomous. The most common include bamboo pit vipers, many-banded kraits, cobras, king cobras and Chinese pit vipers.

With snake activity on the rise, it is important to know how to prevent snakebites, and what to do if bitten.

What to do if bitten by a snake:

The most effective treatment for a snake bite is to receive professional medical care at a hospital as soon as possible. Before that, it is recommended to take the following measures:

1.Rinse the wound repeatedly with clean running water, in order to reduce as much snake venom as possible.

2.Closely monitor the victim’s breathing, consciousness and overall condition.

3.Try to remember the appearance of the snake, or take a photo if it’s safe to do so, to help doctors identify the species and administer the correct anti-venom. If identification is not possible, doctors will rely on clinical symptoms to guide treatment.

4.Perform only non-invasive first aid at the scene. Seek immediate medical attention without delay. Just follow the principle of “Do no harm, do not delay.”

5.Early anti-venom administration greatly influences prognosis. It is recommended to call 120 emergency hotline promptly, or transport the patient carefully using a suitable vehicle while minimizing movement.

Additional important points:

1.The use of anti-venom depends on clinical symptoms of poisoning. Avoid delaying treatment to spend too much time identifying snake species. For example, bites from a banded krait can be treated with green pit viper anti-venom; and both five-pace viper anti-venom and pit viper anti-venom are effective for bamboo pit viper bites.

2.Initial anti-venom dosage is standard for all patints regardless of gender, age and weight; trust medical professionals’ dosing decisions.

Routine tetanus prophylaxis should be carried out alongside anti-venom treatment.

The following is a list of 11 hospitals within the city’s 120 emergency network that offer anti-venom treatment:

Futian District:

Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital

The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital

Nanshan District:

Shenzhen University General Hospital

Luohu District:

Luohu District Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital

Yantian District:

Yantian District People’s Hospital

Longgang District:

Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Shenzhen Hospital

Longhua District:

Longhua District People’s Hospital

Bao’an District:

Bao’an District Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital

Pingshan District:

Shenzhen Pingle Orthopedic Hospital (Shenzhen Pingshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital)‌

Guangming District:

The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University

Dapeng New Area:

Kuichong People’s Hospital

Finally, when outdoors, stay vigilant of your surroundings. If you encounter a snake, do not approach or disturb it. If bitten, call 120 emergency services immediately.