The Poison Information Helpline of the Western Cape (PIHWC) has urged citizens to pay close attention while enjoying outdoor activities, as snake season is upon us.
October to April is snakebite season, and as
temperatures increase, snakes become more active.
According to the
PIHWC, most snakes found in South Africa are harmless and beneficial in the
ecosystem. Snakes are usually not aggressive and will only bite when provoked.
Snake bites usually occur when a snake is frightened, feels endangered and is
forced to react in self-defence.
PIHWC says it received
1 411 calls regarding snakebites, during a five-year period (1 June 2015 – 31
May 2020)
“3% of our calls were related to snakebites (51
704), as most calls involved poisoning exposures to pharmaceuticals (28 418)
and non-drug chemicals (25 396). During the same period, 774 calls were
received concerning spider bites and 858 concerning scorpion stings,” said Dr
Carine Marks, Director of the Tygerberg Poison Information Centre.
The PIHWC is a 24-hour service provided jointly
by the Tygerberg Poisons Information Centre and the Red Cross Children’s Hospital
Poisons Information Centre.
The public, as well as health workers can
contact the PIHWC at 0861 555 777.
Done by: Yandisa Qwabe
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