Indonesia records more than 135,000 snakebite cases every year, with a mortality rate reaching up to 10 percent. The figure does not yet include unreported cases. According to experts, the main cause of death is not the absence of antivenom but rather improper first aid treatment.
This concern was raised by toxicology specialist Dr. Tri Maharani during a public lecture webinar organized by the Master of Tropical Medicine Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) on Thursday (Sep. 4).
The lecture was titled “Recognizing the Risks of Land Travel Related to Venomous Snakebites.”
Dr. Maharani, who is often referred to as Dr. Maha, shared important insights on snakebites, including how to distinguish venomous from non-venomous snakes, appropriate first aid measures, how venom works, its symptoms on the human body, and ways to prevent snakebites.
According to her, snakebite cases in Indonesia are closely tied to traditional beliefs. Many people still prefer traditional or mystical treatments over medical care, which often leads to inadequate handling of snakebite incidents.
“As a result, efforts to address snakebite cases become even more difficult and increasingly disconnected from medical approaches,” she said.
She explained that non-venomous snakes typically have larger fangs with uneven, saw-like edges, leaving bite marks that resemble scratches. In contrast, venomous snakes have fangs that leave puncture marks similar to those of a needle prick.
However, due to rapid mutations triggered by drastic climate change, distinguishing between the two has become increasingly difficult, especially for laypeople.
“Therefore, we should assume every snake we encounter is venomous and avoid approaching or touching it,” she advised.
Dr. Maha also noted that snakes should be avoided by minimizing vibration and heat.
Snakes are essentially “blind and deaf” due to poor vision and the absence of external ears. They sense movement through ground vibrations detected by their belly scales and jaws.
“If you see a snake, the best option is to walk away. As we say in Javanese, sing waras ngalah, which means the wiser one should step aside. Do not provoke them. If you accidentally step on one, retreat slowly,” she explained.
She further elaborated that there are two main types of snake venom: neurotoxin and hemotoxin.
Neurotoxins attack the nervous system and can cause muscle paralysis, including respiratory failure.
Hemotoxins, on the other hand, damage the blood and vessels, causing bleeding and clotting disorders.
Symptoms of neurotoxin poisoning include paralysis of eye muscles and body muscles, which in severe cases may lead to respiratory failure.
Hemotoxin symptoms include delayed clotting, spontaneous bleeding, swelling, and intense pain.
As for first aid, Dr. Maha emphasized the importance of immobilizing the affected area to prevent venom from spreading through the lymphatic system.
“First aid methods such as pouring hot water, sucking the venom by mouth, applying strange herbal remedies, compressing with ice, or burning the wound are incorrect and may worsen the condition,” she stressed.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Illustration: Freepik