Are snake bites on the rise in Egypt? Expert explains causes and first aid

As snake sightings increase across Egypt during the summer, citizens are concerned about their emergence and spread. Maha Ghanem, Professor and Head of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology at Alexandria University, explained the scientific reasons behind this heightened activity and outlined crucial first aid measures.

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These reptiles have been present for years in various agricultural and desert areas, including Beheira, Siwa, and Sharqia, and their activity increases with rising temperatures and changing environmental conditions.

Ghanem assured that snakes appearing in various Egyptian governorates during summer is not unusual. These reptiles have long inhabited agricultural and desert areas like Beheira, Siwa, and Sharqia. Their activity naturally increases with rising temperatures and changing environmental conditions.

While increased temperatures are a factor, Ghanem noted other causes. Floods and soil erosion can force snakes from their burrows. Additionally, an increase in rodents, particularly rats, during summer drives snakes to seek food sources, bringing them closer to human settlements. Urban expansion into natural habitats further reduces their living space, increasing encounters with people.

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The urban expansion into agricultural and desert lands has reduced snakes natural habitats and increased their chances of encountering people.

For snakebite victims, Ghanem stressed the importance of immediate transport to the nearest specialized poison control center or hospital where antivenom is available. She warned against dangerous traditional practices like tightly tying off the affected limb or cutting and sucking the wound, as these can cause complications and offer no medical benefit.

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She emphasized that anyone bitten by a snake should immediately go to the nearest specialized poison control center or hospital where antivenom is available.

Proper first aid includes washing the bite site, minimizing the victim's movement, and rapid transport to a medical center. Ghanem emphasized that even if a bite appears non-venomous, it should be treated as a medical emergency due to the impossibility of distinguishing venomous from non-venomous bites without medical expertise. Quick treatment is critical for survival, as delays can allow venom to spread, leading to paralysis.

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Ghanem warned against certain incorrect practices in dealing with stings, such as tightly tying off the affected limb or cutting the sting site and attempting to suck out the venom, as these can lead to serious complications and offer no medical benefit.