Unseen Danger: Anantapur boy almost dies from undetected snake bite

Anantapur: A recent incident where a boy here almost died after a snake bite went unnoticed highlighted the dangers of unnoticed krait snake bites and the critical role of timely medical intervention.

Dr A Mahesh, a pediatric specialist at KIMS Saveera Hospital, recounted the case of a 12-year-old boy who was brought to the hospital in severe respiratory distress with an oxygen saturation level of only 66 per cent. Initial chest X-rays showed pneumonia-like symptoms, but the boy had no prior signs of fever, cough, or cold, typical of pneumonia. Given the boy’s critical condition, immediate ventilation and treatment were initiated.

What are the symptoms of krait bites?

Unlike typical snake bites that exhibit fang marks, swelling, and pain, krait bites often go undetected due to the absence of these immediate signs. Instead, they present with delayed symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and throat pain, which can escalate to neurological weakness and respiratory failure if left untreated.

After the boy was brought to him with these symptoms, Dr Mahesh investigated further to uncover the root cause.

It was revealed that around 2 am, the boy experienced severe abdominal pain followed by vomiting and throat pain at dawn. His parents took him to a local hospital where doctors, misinterpreting the symptoms as a gastrointestinal issue, provided medication accordingly.

However, his condition worsened, leading to respiratory distress and he was then rushed to KIMS Saveera Hospital.

Symptoms such as frothing in the mouth don’t happen for all snake bites

Based on the boy’s symptoms and timeline, Dr Mahesh suspected a snake bite despite the absence of typical signs such as frothing at the mouth or immediate nerve damage.

Certain snake species, like kraits, can bite without leaving visible marks and instead present with these delayed symptoms.

Confirming this suspicion, the boy was administered ASV (Anti-Snake Venom) injections and calcium. After two days of intensive care, his condition stabilised, oxygen levels normalised and he was successfully weaned off the ventilator. The boy was discharged within two more days, fully recovered.

Dr Mahesh stressed the importance of recognising the atypical symptoms of snake bites, especially in rural areas where children might be exposed to such dangers. Severe abdominal pain, throat pain, vomiting, and neurological weakness in the early morning should prompt immediate suspicion of a snake bite and urgent medical intervention. Delay in treatment can lead to severe complications or even be fatal. This case underscores the need for increased awareness and prompt action to save lives in similar situations.