Bitten by a viper in Jeseníky, the girl spent the weekend in the ICU of the Krnov hospital
Published on September 2, 2024 3:43 p.m., Whole MS region, Lukáš Zavadil
An 18-year-old girl experienced a dramatic weekend after she was bitten by a viper during a family walk in Jeseníky. After the initial treatment, the girl was taken to the Krnov hospital, where she spent several days in the intensive care unit.
A peaceful family walk near Vrbno pod Pradědem turned into a drama for an eighteen-year-old girl when she was bitten by a viper on a forest path.
František Kuba, spokesman for SZZ Krnov: “The young patient suddenly felt a pain, as if something had stabbed her leg. She looked to the ground and saw a smaller snake moving with a zigzag line on its back.
It was clear to the witnesses of the incident that the girl had been bitten by a snake and they immediately called an emergency service. After initial treatment, the girl was taken to a hospital in Krnov, where she was placed in the intensive care unit.
František Kuba, spokesman for SZZ Krnov: “The young patient had an increasing swelling at the place of the snake bite on the inside of her leg. She was lucky because according to her story it was a smaller snake and only a small amount of venom got into the wound. Her body’s main reaction to the viper’s venom was nausea and abdominal pain.’
The medical staff assured the family that the girl would be discharged home after a few days of observation.
František Kuba, spokesman for SZZ Krnov: “The patient’s treatment with antihistamines and corticoids was successful. After three days, she was discharged to home care.
Although this case ended happily, it is an important warning to be careful and prepared for a possible encounter with a snake when moving in nature. It is useful to have the number of the Toxicology Information Center saved in your phone 224 915 402 or 224 919 293, where specialists provide advice to both doctors and the public in cases of poisoning or bites.
Jiří Valenta, head physician of the Toxinology Center: “Viper bites are not very common in the Czech Republic. They occur in the order of dozens of cases a year. In addition, every viper bite does not always mean intoxication.”
Vipers usually try to avoid human contact and run away rather than bite. Bites often occur in defense, and in about a quarter of cases the viper does not use venom. Nevertheless, it is important to always seek medical help after being bitten, as symptoms of intoxication may appear later.
Jiří Valenta, head physician of the Toxinology Center: “If signs of intoxication develop and if children are bitten, it is recommended to call for medical help, preferably an emergency service. Even if symptoms of intoxication do not develop, it is advisable to visit a medical facility.”
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