EXPLAINER: Snakeb!tes and ant!venom — myths, facts, what you should know

EXPLAINER: Snakebites and antivenom — myths, facts, what you should know

In this part of the world, snakebites are not a distant or rare danger. They occur on farms, in residential areas, and even within urban communities.

 

Recently, however, reports of people discovering snakes, particularly cobras, in their homes have increased, heightening public concern. Several studies suggest that ongoing deforestation is displacing these reptiles from once-dense forests, pushing them closer to human settlements.

Despite the frequency of encounters, snakebites remain shrouded in fear, misinformation, and dangerous assumptions.

The death of Abuja-based singer Ifunanya Nwangene, known professionally as Nanyah, following a snakebite, has once again highlighted these misconceptions, particularly regarding first aid and the use of antivenom.

 

Beyond the panic that often follows such incidents lies a critical need to separate myth from fact and to understand what truly happens after a snakebite — including how antivenom works to save lives.

Myth 1: All snakes are venomous

This is false. Nigeria is home to many snake species, but only a fraction are dangerous to humans.

 

According to the African Snakebite Institute, about 12 snake species found in Nigeria are highly venomous, while roughly nine are venomous but rarely deadly. The rest are either mildly venomous or completely harmless.

In addition, not every bite from a venomous snake results in envenomation. Some snakes deliver what is known as a dry bite, where no venom is injected at all.

Even when venom is involved, a snakebite is not automatically fatal. Survival depends on factors like the snake species, the amount of venom, the bite location, and the speed of treatment. With timely and proper medical care, most victims recover fully.

Myth 2: You must identify the snake before treatment

 

While identifying the snake can be helpful, it is not necessary to begin treatment and should never delay seeking urgent medical care. Attempting to capture or kill the snake wastes precious time and risks further bites.

Healthcare professionals are trained to diagnose envenomation based on symptoms and can administer the correct antivenom accordingly. Prompt medical intervention, not snake identification, saves lives.

Myth 3: Snake venom spreads instantly through the body

Venom does not spread instantly; it moves gradually through the lymphatic system and bloodstream. The speed of symptom onset depends on the venom type, the amount injected, and the bite location.

 

Snake venoms are in four main categories. Neurotoxins affect the nervous system, cardiotoxins damage heart tissue, cytotoxins destroy cells and tissues around the bite area, while hemotoxins interfere with blood clotting. Because of this, symptoms can vary widely from person to person.

Common signs may include pain and swelling at the bite site, numbness or tingling, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, nausea, vomiting, weakness, bleeding, low blood pressure, rapid pulse, or, in severe cases, paralysis and shock.

Remaining calm and immobilising the affected limb is crucial, as panic and movement can increase circulation and spread venom more quickly.

Myth 4: Cutting the wound or sucking out venom saves lives

 

These are among the most dangerous and persistent myths. Cutting or sucking the wound does not remove significant venom and dramatically increases the risks of infection, severe bleeding, and further tissue damage. Mouth suction can also expose the rescuer to venom.

Similarly, using tight tourniquets is harmful. They can cut off blood flow, leading to tissue death and potential limb loss, and may cause a dangerous rush of venom into the bloodstream once released.

Studies have shown that victims who use tight tourniquets frequently arrive at hospitals with swollen and discoloured limbs, often with signs of tissue death.

Myth 5: If there’s no pain or swelling, the bite is harmless

Some victims delay treatment because symptoms seem mild at first. Certain snake venoms affect the nervous system or blood clotting and may not cause immediate pain or swelling

Symptoms can worsen hours later, sometimes suddenly. Any suspected snakebite should be treated as a medical emergency, regardless of how it initially feels.

The role of Antivenom

Antivenom is the only proven, effective treatment for venomous snakebites. In Nigeria, where snakes like carpet vipers, puff adders, and cobras are common, their impact is profound.

Studies show that with correct and early antivenom administration in a hospital, mortality rates can fall from about 25% to under 2%.

Beyond its medical benefits, antivenom is also a cost-effective intervention, as it reduces the long-term health and economic burden of snakebite injuries.

However, despite its effectiveness, access to antivenom in Nigeria remains limited. The major challenge is sustained funding, as current national spending falls far below what is required to ensure a steady supply, especially in rural and high-risk communities.

This funding gap, alongside distribution and availability issues, continues to fuel misconceptions about antivenom and delays in seeking proper medical care.

Antivenoms are broadly grouped into monovalent and polyvalent types, depending on the number of snake species they are designed to treat.

Monovalent antivenom targets the venom of a single snake species. An example is EchiTabG (ETG), which is specifically developed to treat bites from the carpet viper (Echis ocellatus), one of the deadliest and most common snakes in Nigeria.

Polyvalent antivenom is designed to treat bites from several snake species. EchiTab Plus ICP (ETP), produced in Costa Rica, is widely used in Nigeria and is effective against carpet viper, puff adder, and cobra bites. Another commonly used option is Antivipmyn-Africa (Antivip-A), which covers multiple venomous snake species across sub-Saharan Africa.

More myths to discard:

Myth 6: You only need antivenom if the bite is severe

Antivenom is most effective when given early, before symptoms escalate. Waiting for severe symptoms reduces its effectiveness and increases the risk of permanent damage or death.

Myth 7: Antivenom works immediately, so symptoms should stop at once

Antivenom neutralises circulating venom but cannot reverse damage already done. Recovery from swelling, tissue damage, or neurological effects takes time. Improvement over hours or days does not mean the treatment failed.

Myth 8: Antivenom is dangerous and often worse than the bite

This is a widespread misconception that discourages people from seeking lifesaving treatment.

Modern antivenoms are carefully produced, tested, and administered under medical supervision. While allergic reactions can occur, serious reactions are relatively rare and are far less dangerous than untreated snake venom.

Myth 9: Once antivenom is given, follow-up care is unnecessary

Antivenom is only one part of snakebite management.

Patients may still need monitoring for delayed reactions, infections, bleeding disorders, or organ complications. Some effects of venom can appear hours or days later, even after treatment. Proper follow-up care ensures complications are detected and treated early.