Snake Bite - Go to GH

Though the number of snake bite cases treated by the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital has come down drastically over the years, doctors say that awareness among public on such treatment is still less.

Speaking to News Today, Dr S Ragunanthanan, Professor of Medicine at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, said that on average, the hospital sees three to five snake bite cases per day.

The hospital treated 445 cases in 2011, 534 in 2012 and 380 cases till October this year, he said.

There is adequate stock of anti-venom drug available in the hospital and good treatment is offered. So the public should not get panic if they have been bitten by a snake as 70 per cent snakes are non-venomous. Only 30 per cent are venomous, he added.

About snakes, Ragunanthanan said there are only four snakes (called as big snakes) that are commonly present in India, which are poisonous -  Common Krait (Kattuveriyan), Cobra (Nallapambu), Russel Viper (Kannadi Veriyan) and Saw Scale Viper (Suruttai Pambu). And also main poisonous snake is Hump Nosed Viper (Komberi Mookan).

Poisonous snakes might cause neurological problems, some of the symptoms being grooping of eye lids, difficulty in swallowing, speech and neck muscle weakness. It also can cause respiratory problem, paralyse the victim, he added.

Saying that 50 per cent people bring the snake that bit them to the doctor, he said this really would not help the treatment. So the patient need not get panic as the amount of venom injected into the body of a person involves other circumstances as well. For example the snake carries maximum venom only when it is on the hunt for prey. And post hunt, the venom is lost. So when the snake bit a person post hunt, it might turn as non-venoumous, he added.

Ragunanthanan further said that the victim should not cut the wound part using blade. Do not attempt to suck the blood. Do not tie rope on the attacked portion. Give rest to the patient as straining the body might spread the venom in blood fast. So the 'RIGHT' approach will help (that is, R-Reassurance, I- Immobolisation, GH- Go to Hospital and T-tell what has happened).

The doctors at the hospital will administer Poly Valent Anti-Snake injection, if the patient shows any symptoms of present of venom in the body. So there is nothing to worry, as it can be cured under the observation of a doctor in the hospital, he said.

Vandalur Zoo

Facility is expected to attract nearly 30 species of free-ranging terrestrial birds

Very soon, visitors to Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur will get to see terrestrial birds feeding and playing in an open park.

Speaking to The Hindu, zoo director, K.S.S.V.P. Reddy, said already, visitors could enjoy the sight of migratory birds, housed in a walk-in aviary.

The new, open park will attract nearly 30 species of free-ranging terrestrial birds — red-vented bulbul, red-whiskered bulbul, babblers, coppersmith barbet, grey francolin, wood shrike, Indian Robin and hoopoe, to name a few, he said.

In order to attract these birds, the authorities have provided nest boxes on tree branches, along with food trays. On the ground, there are facilities for sand and ash bath.

Also, dung, farmyard manure, leaf litter and fallen branches have been strewn about so that insects and worms can make their home there. The presence of insects and worms will attract insectivorous birds.

Other attractions include nectar-bearing flowering plants and a specially-created small pond with fish, said Mr. Reddy.

“The open park will have plants to attract fruit-eating birds, insect-eating birds and grain-eating birds. We have ensured there will be enough facilities to attract all the three types of birds,” he said.

The new facility is coming up on a two-hectare plot adjacent to the sambar safari. Half the work has been completed and the remaining will be done in a month. It will be a grand sight for visitors who will be able to see all the birds without too much strain, said Mr. Reddy.