Many cases of red-tailed pit viper bites have been reported, with doctors warning that the venom is extremely dangerous.

Recently, hospitals have been reporting many cases of hospitalization due to bites from the red-tailed pit viper. Doctors say that the red-tailed pit viper has potent venom with more than 20 harmful components.

Accordingly, in recent weeks, Military Hospital 175 (Ho Chi Minh City) received two cases of people bitten by red-tailed pit vipers while working outdoors. Both patients were treated according to protocol, given antivenom, and their health has stabilized.

The first patient was Mr. VMH (31 years old), who was bitten on the back of his left lower leg while working. The second patient was Mr. PTH (51 years old), who was bitten on the back of his right hand by a red-tailed pit viper. After hospitalization and treatment, including administration of antivenom, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medication, both patients improved and were discharged.

Similarly, Mr. NVP (36 years old, from Tay Ninh ) was attacked by a red-tailed pit viper while clearing banana bushes in his backyard. He sustained a wound on his left ankle with two distinct fang marks and intense pain. Upon admission, the emergency team at Xuyen A General Hospital immediately activated the anaphylactic shock treatment protocol: ensuring airway and circulation, administering adrenaline (Adrenaline is the preferred drug for treating anaphylactic shock), and implementing intensive resuscitation measures. After 6 days in the hospital, Mr. P. fully recovered and was discharged.

The red-tailed pit viper has potent venom containing over 20 harmful components.

According to Dr. Hoang Van Tuan, Department of Occupational Diseases and Clinical Hematology, Military Hospital 175, the red-tailed pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris), belonging to the pit viper family, has potent venom with more than 20 harmful components such as blood clotting disruptors, hemolysis, edema, poisoning, and can cause multi-organ damage.

The image shows a red-tailed pit viper being caught by family members and brought to the hospital.

PHOTO: YV

This snake is characterized by its bright green color, red or orange tail, triangular head, and vertical pupils. They typically live in bushes and gardens, are nocturnal, and are aggressive when threatened. People bitten by this red-tailed pit viper often have two distinct fang marks, rapid swelling within minutes, and possible bleeding at the bite site.

Approximately six hours later, the affected area can easily spread to the limb, accompanied by pain, bruising, subcutaneous bleeding, or the appearance of bloody blisters. If left untreated, the bite is at risk of infection, necrosis, or compartment syndrome. Systemically, the victim may experience dizziness, anxiety, coagulation disorders, multi-organ hemorrhage, or acute renal failure, which is life-threatening.

Preventing Red-tailed Pit Viper bites

Dr. Tuan advises that when bitten by a snake, the patient should remain calm, limit movement, and immobilize the bitten limb to slow the spread of venom. The wound should be gently washed with clean water, the limb should be kept lower than the heart, and any constricting objects such as bracelets, rings, or ties should be removed. Absolutely do not apply a tourniquet, incise the bite, suck out the venom, or apply ice or herbal compresses, as these methods can cause more serious damage. Most importantly, take the victim to the nearest medical facility to receive antivenom as prescribed.

To avoid being bitten by the red-tailed pit viper, people should clear bushes around their homes and limit planting vines near doorways. When working in areas with many trees, wear long clothes, boots, gloves, and use a stick to scare away snakes. When encountering a snake, absolutely do not try to catch or chase it away, as the snake will attack when it feels threatened...

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhieu-ca-bi-ran-luc-duoi-do-can-bac-si-canh-bao-noc-doc-cuc-nguy-hiem-185251212154253464.htm