Deadly Indian snakes can still inject venom hours after being killed, researchers warn: Know how
Led by Susmita Thakur from Namrup College, Assam, the study documents three real-life cases of post-mortem envenomation, showing that residual venom in hollow fangs remains active. These findings underscore the hidden risks of handling dead snakes and highlight the critical need for public awareness, snakebite safety measures, and prompt medical attention even when the snake appears lifeless.
Deadly Indian snakes that can inject venom even after death
Indian snakes such as monocled cobras (Naja kaouthia) and black kraits (Bungarus lividus) have been documented to inject venom even after fatal injuries. While earlier studies primarily focused on rattlesnakes or spitting cobras, the new research led by Susmita Thakur from Namrup College, Assam, expands this risk to native Indian species as reported in
Frontiers study
.
The study recorded three real-life incidents reported at rural health centres in Assam, providing compelling evidence of post-mortem envenomation.
Case studies reported for snakebite venom injection hours after death
First Incident: Monocled cobra bite after beheading
In the first reported case, a 45-year-old man killed a monocled cobra attacking his chickens by severing its head. While disposing of the snake, the severed head bit him on the thumb. He experienced intense pain radiating from the bite to the shoulder, repeated vomiting, and blackening of the bite area.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice
Grammarly
Install Now
Undo
Medical intervention included intravenous antivenom and pain relief medication, and the patient was discharged after 20 days with follow-up care.
'The pain significantly decreased following treatment, and no neurotoxic symptoms developed,' the researchers noted.
This incident demonstrates that venom glands remain functional briefly after death, and even a severed head can inflict a potentially dangerous bite.
Second incident: Cobra bite after tractor accident
The second incident involved a man running over a monocled cobra in a paddy field with his tractor. Despite being crushed and presumed dead, the snake bit him on the foot when he stepped off. The patient experienced pain, swelling, discolouration, and vomiting, confirming envenomation.
Though there were no neurotoxic effects, the bite caused ulceration, requiring antivenom treatment and extended wound care.
'Even after being dead for several hours, the snake was capable of delivering a venomous bite,' the researchers highlighted.
This case emphasises the persistent risk of venom delivery from dead snakes in rural and agricultural settings.
Third incident: Black Krait bite hours after death
In the third alarming case, a black krait (Bungarus lividus) was killed in a house, and a neighbour handling its head three hours later was bitten on the finger. The victim quickly developed difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, and progressive paralysis.
Despite receiving 20 vials of polyvalent antivenom and intensive respiratory support, the patient initially became quadriplegic and unresponsive.
However, after 43 hours of critical care, he fully recovered and was discharged in good health after six days.
This case clearly illustrates the extreme danger of post-mortem venom injection, particularly from highly neurotoxic species like kraits.
How can snakes inject venom after death
Researchers explain that certain snakes possess a unique venom delivery apparatus that allows venom release even after death. Key factors include:
Venom gland structure: Connected to hollow fangs, the gland can release venom if pressed accidentally.
Residual venom in fangs: Even after fatal injury, fangs retain active venom capable of causing envenomation.
Mechanical pressure triggers venom release: Handling dead snakes or their severed heads can accidentally trigger venom injection.
This mechanism explains why victims experienced symptoms identical to live snake bites, including severe pain, neurotoxicity, and in extreme cases, paralysis.
Implications for snakebite safety and public awareness
These incidents highlight an urgent need for public awareness regarding post-mortem snakebite risks. Key safety tips include:
Never handle dead venomous snakes without proper tools or protective gloves.
Seek immediate medical attention if bitten, even by a seemingly dead snake.
Educate rural and agricultural communities about the lingering danger of venomous snakes.
Experts stress that all venomous snakes, including cobras and kraits, should be treated as potentially dangerous until completely neutralised.
Also Read |
10-ft-long Indian rock python rescued after causing panic in Mumbai society amid heavy monsoon rains
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Axiom-4 learnings will help train for Gaganyaan: ISRO chief
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has prepared a 4,000-page document detailing the experience of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on the Axiom-4 mission, the training that he and fellow astronaut Prashant B Nair underwent, and the learnings of the ISRO team present in the US through the mission. ISRO chairman V Narayanan said these learnings would be applied for training astronauts for India's Gaganyaan programme. They (the two astronauts) have gained a lot of confidence working with a very experienced team (SpaceX, NASA and Axiom). The entire training programme, going to space and coming back, the docking process, the microgravity environment that the bodies faced, everything has been documented. This will be very useful for our own astronauts, the current batch and subsequent ones,' said Narayanan. But the run-up to the mission was not all that smooth. Narayanan recounted the incident of a leakage in the rocket ahead of the launch, which the ISRO team insisted on being repaired. '…Probably, they thought that it was a minor leakage… When it came in the press, the first question asked was where the leak was. To our surprise, they could not find the location of the leak. We were shocked,' Narayanan said. He said that when the Axiom team was asked about the leak rate, they said it was confidential. 'We were not comfortable. If it is a case of just a small hole it is not a problem, but if it is a crack that cannot be allowed. So, we insisted on a complete correction and they had to call off the launch… When they located it, it was a crack in the fuel line. During the test, the leak was increasing, the data is with us. If it (the rocket) lifts-off with a crack, what will happen is that with vibrations, it will give way. Then it will be a catastrophic situation,' he said. Talking about his experience in space, Shukla said that despite all the training, when the rockets finally took off, it felt very different. He said everything was a surprise in space, the biggest of which was utilising space in 3D. 'You walk on the floor and sit on the seats. In space you can crawl on ceiling or the walls. This was a very unique experience. Initially, I gave things to people to hold, although I knew nothing would fall; it was a habit,' he said. He also spoke about sleeping in space through 16 sunrises and sunsets every day. He said GMT timing was followed on the space station and the windows were shuttered down when one had to sleep. 'But it was so beautiful, I always wanted to sit by the window,' said Shukla. He said there was a craving for more Indian foods in space. 'That's what you really miss. You don't really feel hungry… the food feels bland. I am very particular about my food, but when I came back I told my wife I will eat whatever you make. She said finally it took me going to space for it.' Shukla also spoke about his first view of the Earth. 'It was a night pass… The darkness of the sea first and then the country completely lit up. There is no other place I would feel emotional about. I have seen India several times since, but that first view left its mark,' he said. Prashanth Nair, who was on the standby for the Axiom-4 mission, was asked whether he felt having missed out on this trip. He said the Air Force had taught him the importance of being a good wingman, and compared himself to being a 'Laxman to Shukla's Ram'. 'It feels like Diwali today, and all our countrymen are here to receive us,' Nair said. He said the actual experience is very different from training. 'Even if you write a PhD on the smell of roses, a person who has never smelled a rose will not know what it means after reading it entirely. Until you go to space you would not know what it means.'
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Dengue cases go up in Noida, Ghaziabad, 13 condos get notices
Noida: Dengue cases have doubled in the district, prompting the health department to issue 48 notices, including to 13 societies, for stagnant water breeding mosquito larvae. Among these are Galaxy Vega, Amrapali Silicon Valley, and Royal Nest. So far, 42 dengue and 55 malaria cases have been reported in Noida. In Ghaziabad, 29 dengue and 36 malaria have been reported, along with three cases each of Chikungunya and Leptospirosis—diseases that were not reported in the district last year. Last year, Ghaziabad saw a total of 196 dengue cases and 27 malaria cases, while 350 dengue and 108 malaria cases were reported in Noida. You Can Also Check: Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida | Gold Rates Today in Noida | Silver Rates Today in Noida Dengue cases in Noida have almost doubled in the last month, rising from 22 on July 15 to 42 currently. Sectors 35, 53, Kendriya Vihar and Kishorepore emerged as hotspots in Noida while in Greater Noida, majority cases came from Surajpur, Beta 1, Gamma 1 and Zeta 1. Meanwhile, in Ghaziabad, Crossings Republik, Sanjay Nagar, Raj Nagar, Govindpuram, Vasundhara, Nyay Khand, Shakti Khand and Indirapuram have been marked for intensified monitoring. Health departments have intensified vector control measures and set up fever desks with rapid testing facilities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Passive Income Ideas Sitting at Home Mone Click Here Undo "The survey teams also visited Sector 9 slums and independent houses, where larvae were found. We are conducting regular inspections. Many of these cases are being reported from outside areas, too," Dr Stuti Kirti Verma, district malaria officer said. Dr RK Gupta, ACMO, Ghaziabad, said that all district hospitals have been directed to reserve 10 isolation beds with mosquito nets for dengue patients, while primary health centres will have at least five such beds. "Inter-departmental coordination meetings are being held daily to monitor high-risk areas. Fever help desks and rapid testing facilities for dengue and malaria have been set up in govt health units," he said. Similarly, private hospitals have also seen a spike in dengue cases, with 20-25 cases being presented in the OPD. "Patients are getting admitted with a low platelet count of less than 15000. There is not much clustering seen for malaria at present," said Dr Shovana Veshnavi, principal consultant, internal medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Dibrugarh convenes key advisory meeting to strengthen HIV/AIDS outreach
1 2 3 4 5 6 Dibrugarh: In a significant step towards enhancing HIV/AIDS prevention and care strategies, the first meeting of the Community Advisory Board (CAB) for Round 2 of Programmatic Mapping and Population Size Estimation (PMPSE) of high-risk groups and clients of sex workers was held in Dibrugarh on Thursday. The meeting, organised by the Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS) under the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), brought together a diverse group of district officials, law enforcement, healthcare workers, and NGO representatives. Chaired by Pranjal Baruah, additional district commissioner (health), the meeting at the DC Conference Hall aimed to strategise the second round of PMPSE, which focuses on mapping and estimating the size of high-risk groups, including clients of sex workers. This data is vital for effectively targeting interventions and allocating resources for the national AIDS control program. The meeting saw attendance from key stakeholders, including Abhishek Kumar Yadav, assistant superintendent of police (headquarters), Prasanta Borah, district social welfare officer, Dr Arunima Barman, sub-divisional medical & health officer, and Dr Ravi Baruah, district AIDS control officer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Passive Income Ideas Sitting at Home Mone Click Here Undo Representatives from the district legal services authority (DLSA), several targeted-intervention (TI) NGOs, including SEWA, Nayi Roshni Foundation, Surujmukhi, and Bhagyalakshmi and drug de-addiction centres were also present, ensuring a multi-sectoral approach. ADC Baruah emphasised the collaborative nature of the effort. "The success of the PMPSE Round 2 hinges on seamless coordination between govt departments, law enforcement, and the community NGOs on the ground. Accurate data is the bedrock upon which we can build effective care systems. This programmatic mapping will provide crucial insights that will help us develop more targeted and effective interventions for vulnerable populations," he said. Emphasising the importance of comprehensive data collection in addressing public health challenges, Dr Ravi Baruah said, "The participation of multiple departments and organisations ensures that our mapping exercise will be comprehensive and sensitive to the needs of high-risk groups. Accurate size estimation is critical for resource allocation and program planning." The meeting concluded with a resolve to nurture a supportive environment for the mapping exercise, ensuring it is conducted with both scientific rigour and a deep respect for the rights and dignity of the communities involved. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
