OVERVIEW

What is a snake bite?

There are over 200 species of snakes in China, including more than 50 venomous species. Only about 10 are commonly encountered, such as cobras, kraits, and king cobras.

Non-venomous snake bites typically cause relatively small wounds. With standard hospital treatment—disinfection, wound care, and a tetanus shot—recovery is usually smooth.

Venomous snake bites, however, are life-threatening and require immediate, proper medical intervention to ensure survival.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms after a snake bite?

• After a non-venomous snake bite, a row of tooth marks will be left, accompanied by pain, slight redness and swelling of the wound, and possible blisters, but there will be no systemic reactions such as fever, chills, or restlessness.

• After a venomous snake bite, two deeper tooth marks will be left, with localized pain and a burning sensation. The skin may develop blood blisters, bruising, or even local tissue necrosis. The injected venom causes severe poisoning, quickly leading to swelling of the affected limb, fever, chills, restlessness, and other reactions.

• Depending on the location and severity of the bite, local symptoms may progress to systemic changes: general weakness, perioral paresthesia, muscle tremors, or fever, chills, restlessness, dizziness, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, limb paralysis, respiratory depression, and ultimately respiratory and circulatory failure.

• Some patients may experience low blood pressure, pulmonary edema, arrhythmia; purple patches on the skin and mucous membranes, hematuria, oliguria (< 400 mL/24 h), and other symptoms.

• Occasionally, a venomous snake may bite without injecting venom, known as a "dry bite," but this is relatively rare. Therefore, seeking medical attention as soon as possible after a bite is still recommended.

CAUSES

What are the types of snake venom?

Based on their effects on the human body, snake venoms can be classified into neurotoxins, hemotoxins, and mixed toxins.

• Neurotoxins: Cause numbness at the bite site, which gradually spreads, leading to dizziness, blurred vision, slurred speech, limb paralysis, difficulty swallowing, and breathing problems.
• Hemotoxins: Cause swelling and pain at the bite site, which gradually spreads, resulting in chills, fever, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, bruising, bloody urine, and reduced urine output.
• Mixed toxins: Combine the effects of both neurotoxins and hemotoxins.

Where do snakebites mainly occur?

Snakes are distributed across all provinces in China, but they are primarily found in southern regions. Venomous snakes are more common in plains, hills, and low mountainous areas at elevations around 1,000 meters in the south.

Snakebites often occur in gardens, grassy areas, ponds, and other lush vegetation. They usually happen when people accidentally touch or approach snakes. Over half of the bites occur on the ankles, while about 30% affect the wrists.

DIAGNOSIS

How to distinguish whether a snake that has bitten someone is venomous?

In most cases, non-venomous snakes have an oval-shaped head, a longer and thinner tail, and less distinct patterns on their body. Venomous snakes typically have a triangular head, a large head with a slender neck, a shorter tail, and more vibrant skin patterns.

Since most people still find it difficult to distinguish between snake species, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately after a snakebite. If you cannot determine whether the snake is venomous and the snake is already dead, bring it to the hospital so doctors can provide the correct treatment.

What tests are needed after a snakebite?

After being hospitalized for a snakebite, routine tests are required, including blood tests, urine and stool tests, coagulation function tests, electrocardiograms, etc. The purpose of these tests is to assess the patient's general condition for better follow-up treatment. Some tests can be performed after emergency treatment when vital signs stabilize.

TREATMENT

What should you do in case of a snake bite?

• Call for help immediately.
• Stay calm, as excessive panic can accelerate blood circulation and spread the venom faster.
• Avoid running, as it can speed up the spread of snake venom in the bloodstream.

How to provide first aid if someone nearby is bitten by a snake?

• Help the victim move to a safe location.
• Remove all jewelry from the affected limb. Shoes and socks can be taken off, but leave other clothing unless it is too tight and restricts circulation.
• If possible, take a photo of the snake from a safe distance to help doctors identify the correct antivenom.
• Do not let the victim walk, as movement can speed up venom absorption, especially if the bite is on the lower limbs.
• Transport the victim to the nearest medical facility as quickly as possible.

Can you cut the wound to drain the venom after a snake bite?

No.

Cutting the wound increases the risk of infection and may complicate treatment. Do not attempt to cut the wound yourself. If fangs remain, carefully remove them, ensuring your hands have no open wounds.

After emergency treatment, the victim must be taken to a hospital immediately for proper medical care. If unsure whether the snake is venomous, treat it as a venomous bite to ensure safety.

Can you suck out the venom with your mouth after a snake bite?

If the snake's identity is uncertain, it's best to use tools like a suction cup or breast pump to extract blood from the wound. If no tools are available, avoid using your mouth, as even minor cuts or ulcers in the mouth can allow venom to enter your body.

For safety, do not attempt to suck out the venom—seek medical help immediately.

How should a snake bite wound be cleaned?

If available, rinse the wound with 0.05% potassium permanganate solution or 3% hydrogen peroxide. If not, use cold water, soapy water, or saline. Avoid ice or ice water.

Where should a snake bite be bandaged?

Immediately wrap a wide band (like a cloth strip) about 5 cm above the bite to slow venom spread.

The wrap should be snug but allow a finger to slide underneath. Loosen it every 30 minutes for 1–2 minutes to prevent tissue damage from restricted blood flow.

For example, if bitten on the heel, wrap the leg 5 cm above the wound. Monitor for signs of restricted circulation.

Is it necessary to go to the hospital after a snake bite?

Yes. After emergency treatment, the victim must be taken to a hospital promptly. Even if symptoms are delayed, medical attention is crucial—some venom takes 30 minutes to an hour to cause effects, which can be fatal if ignored.

Which hospital department should you visit for a snake bite?

If symptoms like chills, fever, or agitation appear quickly, go to the emergency department first. Once stable, transfer to general surgery. If no symptoms occur, visit general surgery directly.

For delayed complications (e.g., wound necrosis or scarring), consult a burn or plastic surgery department.

How is a snake bite treated?

• Antivenom: The primary treatment, neutralizing venom. Administer as early as possible.
• Supportive care: Address symptoms like bleeding, shock, kidney failure, or respiratory paralysis.

Do all hospitals carry antivenom?

No. Antivenom is often scarce. Those in snake-prone areas should identify nearby hospitals stocking it in advance.

Why is an allergy test needed before antivenom?

Antivenom contains foreign proteins that may trigger severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Testing ensures safety.

What if the patient is allergic to antivenom?

Use desensitization: small, incremental doses to reduce allergic reactions while neutralizing venom. Report any discomfort to doctors immediately.

Is antivenom the same for all snake bites?

No. Monovalent antivenom targets specific snakes; polyvalent works against multiple species. Doctors choose based on the snake type (if known).

What are possible side effects of antivenom?

• Anaphylaxis: Requires emergency treatment for symptoms like low blood pressure or unconsciousness.
• Serum sickness: Rash, fever, or swelling, usually resolving on its own or with medication.

How many antivenom doses are needed?

One sufficient dose, adjusted for snake type and severity.

How much does antivenom cost?

Typically ¥300–500 per dose, varying by region.

Is a tetanus shot needed after a snake bite?

Yes. Snake fangs carry bacteria, so tetanus prevention is essential.

Is follow-up treatment needed after discharge?

If tissue damage occurred (e.g., requiring amputation or grafts), scar care may be needed. Otherwise, no routine medication is necessary unless prescribed.

How long does recovery take?

Non-venomous bites heal like minor wounds (~1 week). Venomous bites depend on treatment speed—delays may lead to months-long recovery or permanent damage.

DIET & LIFESTYLE

What dietary precautions should be taken after discharge from a snake bite?

No special precautions are needed, just supplement with high-protein nutritious foods.

What daily life precautions should be taken after discharge from a snake bite?

• If the hand was bitten and underwent surgery, avoid excessive finger movement post-operation to prevent splitting. After suture removal, gradually move fingers - even if painful - to prevent excessive scar tissue from limiting finger extension.
• Avoid getting the surgical area wet for 7 days post-operation.
• Strictly follow the doctor's medication instructions and follow-up appointments.

PREVENTION

How to Avoid Snake Bites?

• Avoid sitting or lying in areas where snakes are likely to appear, such as grass or mounds, and never reach into rodent holes or tree hollows with your hands.
• Snakes prefer warm, damp environments, so before or after rain, take extra care to protect your hands and feet when in fields, ditches, or grassy wetlands. Wear shoes and socks, and tuck your pants into your boots. Carry a small stick or branch to scare snakes away.
• When camping outdoors, check your tent for any snakes that may have slithered inside.
• Carry a flashlight when moving at night to avoid accidentally stepping on a snake. If you encounter a venomous snake, detour around it from a distance.
• Remain cautious around dead snakes or severed snake heads, as they can still bite for some time after decapitation. Take protective measures.

Do Snakebite Survivors Develop Immunity After Recovery?

No. When snake venom enters the body, it triggers an immune response, but the antibodies produced are insufficient to neutralize potent venom. Immediate antivenom treatment is still necessary.

Although antibodies remain in the body for some time after recovery, this does not mean a subsequent bite would not require antivenom.

Currently, antivenoms are derived from horses injected with snake venom—a process that takes months to produce sufficient antibodies. This indicates antibody production is not instantaneous, even in horses.

There is no conclusive research on when antibody levels peak in humans after a snakebite.