Frequent snakebites worry people of Meherpur village
At least 58 people became victim of snakebite at Madandanga village in Meherpur Sadar upazila in a week since August 23.
No report of death or serious causality, however, has been received.
Most of the people got the biting during walk on rural paths or outside work, such as cultivation, fishing, wood collection, or tending gardens.
Some people got snakebite while sleeping on the floor or even during cooking at home.
A snake bit Joly Khatun, 18, daughter of Azim Uddin of Madandanga, when she was cooking at her house around 5:30pm on August 23.
Later, local snake charmer Abdul Mannan 'cured' her by rubbing leaves and a special paste on the wound, said Azim.
Chumki Khatun, Kakoli Khatun, Abu Huda, Asharf, Nabin and Ali Kadar are some other people bit by snake.
As snakes are seen everywhere -- bushes, streets, orchards, houses, etc, people are afraid to move. Children are being strongly prohibited to go outside home, even to school.
“Snakes mostly live in bushes, but can be drawn to homes when they are in frouble or in search of food. Usually this area sees more snakes than other places of the district," said Mizanur Rahman Milon, member of Amjhupi union parishad.
The villagers usually take traditional treatment by snake charmers, locally called ojha, for snakebite.
“The bites are not much harmful as they are young cobras” said snake charmer Mannan, who along with seven assistants has been giving treatment to the victims of snakebite for last several days.
Meherpur district Civil Surgeon Ismail Faruk said victims of snakebite should come to hospital for modern treatment.
The appearance of snakes in and around houses and paths arelikely to lessen with decrease in rainfall and more sunlight during the last two days, locals said.
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