Posts Tagged ‘Health’

TOILET BOWL SNAKE ATTACKS ON THE RISE

More now than ever, people who sit down on the commode just to relieve themselves are being bitten in their posteriors by venomous snakes. The culprits include water moccasins and copperheads.

The Federal Bureau of Statistics reports that in 1997, there were 105 reported toilet bowl snake attacks, resulting in 17 fatalities. In 1998, there were 135 attacks and 30 fatalities. In 1999, 200 attacks were reported, and 50 fatalities. Why? According to Harvey Schitz at the Federal Bureau of Statistics, urban sprawl is to blame. “We keep building new subdivisions way out in areas that used to be wilderness, and have disturbed natural reptile habitats. This was bound to happen.” Mr. Schitz added that people who live in the city are much less likely to be attacked in this manner. “Until new serpent-proof toilets and plumbing are developed, This problem is going to get worse and worse out in the suburbs. Maybe it isn’t so dangerous back in the city after all!”

Sadly this does happen but is very rare. Look before you sit!  It is a jungle out there sometimes and we don’t even know it!

Related articles by Zemanta

• Beaumont Enterprise: Truth behind snake myths and rumors (beaumontenterprise.com)
• Snakes in the Grass Can Be Fatal to Dogs (yubanet.com)
• Australian Snake Identification & Snakebite Incidence (slideshare.net)
• 81-Year-Old Man Sucked Venom Out After Bitten by Copperhead Snake, Then Stomped It To Death (neatorama.com)
• Officials warn of high number of copperheads (washingtontimes.com)
• Snake bites most common in North Carolina (charlotte.news14.com)
• Serpents face slippery existence (telegraph.co.uk)
• Floods send snakes to higher ground, oddest of places (commercialappeal.com)

How To Prevent  A Snake Bite Or

How To Respond To A Snake Bite

Centers For Disease Control In Atlanta Says:

• If you see a snake in your home, immediately call the animal control agency in your county.

After a natural disaster, snakes may have been forced from their natural habitats and move into areas where they would not normally be seen or expected. When you return to your home, be cautious of snakes that may have sought shelter in your home. If you see a snake in your home, immediately call the animal control agency in your county.

How to Prevent Snake Bites

• Be aware of snakes that may be swimming in the water to get to higher ground and those that may be hiding under debris or other objects.
• If you see a snake, back away from it slowly and do not touch it.

Signs of Snake Bites

If you have to walk in high water, you may feel a bite, but not know that you were bitten by a snake. You may think it is another kind of bite or scratch. Pay attention to the following snake bite signs.

Depending on the type of snake, the signs and symptoms may include:

• A pair of puncture marks at the wound
• Redness and swelling around the bite
• Severe pain at the site of the bite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Labored breathing (in extreme cases, breathing may stop altogether)
• Disturbed vision
• Increased salivation and sweating
• Numbness or tingling around your face and/or limbs

What To DO if You or Someone Else is Bitten by a Snake

• If you or someone you know are bitten, try to see and remember the color and shape of the snake, which can help with treatment of the snake bite.
• Keep the bitten person still and calm. This can slow down the spread of venom if the snake is poisonous.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Dial 911 or call local Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
• Apply first aidif you cannot get the person to the hospital right away.
  • Lay or sit the person down with the bite below the level of the heart.
  • Tell him/her to stay calm and still.
  • Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.

What NOT To Do if You or Someone Else is Bitten by a Snake

• Do not pick up the snake or try to trap it (this may put you or someone else at risk for a bite).
• Do not apply a tourniquet.
• Do not slash the wound with a knife.
• Do not suck out the venom.
• Do not apply ice or immerse the wound in water.
• Do not drink alcohol as a pain killer.
• Do not drink caffeinated beverages.
• Be aware of snakes that may be swimming in the water or hiding under debris or other objects.
• If you or someone you know are bitten, try to see and remember the color and shape of the snake. Do not pick up a snake or try to trap it.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Snake bites most common in North Carolina (charlotte.news14.com)
• Beaumont Enterprise: Truth behind snake myths and rumors (beaumontenterprise.com)
• Australian Snake Identification & Snakebite Incidence (slideshare.net)
• Snakebites Don’t Always Come From Snakes (lockergnome.com)
• Interesting Facts about Coral Snakes (brighthub.com)
• Snake oil for snakebites (and other bad ideas) (sciencebasedmedicine.org)