Good to Know
There have been several reports of Mozambique spitting cobras biting people over the last few months, often children sleeping in bed. Herpetologist Johan Marais from the African Snakebite Institute tells us more about this species, common myths about snak
Why the recent increase in snakebites? Cobras like to come out in warm, rainy weather. More than 80 % of bites are recorded between January and April/May. Bites usually occur in the early evening, or if a person accidently steps on a snake.
Will a spitting cobra attack me? In general, snakes don’t attack humans. If you keep a distance of 5 m or more you’ll be perfectly safe. Most snakes won’t approach you. The Mozambique spitting cobra, however, is an exception. It often enters houses – usually through an open door or through a gap of 1 cm or more under a door – in search of food. If someone is asleep in bed, the snake might bite the person mistaking an exposed piece of flesh for food. (It’s a popular misconception that the Mozambique spitting cobra will climb into a bed in search of warmth.) What should I do if someone gets bitten? Take the person to a hospital straight away, where antivenin will be administered as required. The venom of a Mozambique spitting cobra is potently cytotoxic and at least 10 vials of antivenin should be administered as soon as possible. The bite mark will start to change colour as the tissue dies off. Every snakebite is unique and the doctor will decide on the best course of action, but the longer you wait before treatment, the worse the tissue damage will be. If the snake spat at you, rinse out your eyes under a running tap for 15 – 20 minutes, then seek medical help.
How do I keep my loved ones safe? Snakebites of this kind can be largely avoided by sealing the gaps under doors. If you like leaving doors open for fresh air, install a self-closing screen door. Keep your property free of rubble or heaps of stone and remember that frogs and mice attract snakes.
What kind of snake repellent should I use? Snake repellents don’t work. Don’t waste your time and money on Jeyes Fluid, mothballs, chlorine, diesel or certain plants. Commercial snake repellent has no effect either.
What do I do when I see a snake? Keep a safe distance (5 m) and call an expert to remove the snake. Never try to catch or kill a snake. Visit africansnakebiteinstitute.com for a list of snake removers around the country.
Johan Marais is the CEO of the African Snakebite Institute and author of several books including A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa and Snakes and Snakebite in Southern Africa.