2 deaths due to Caspian cobra bites documented in Chamba

The researchers, Bharti, Jaideep C Menon, Archana Phull, Samson Joy, Virender Sharma and Anita Malhotra, documented two deaths caused by a Caspian cobra while collecting data under ICMR-funded snakebite projects. The study states that envenoming and deaths caused by the species had not previously been reported from India.

The species was genetically confirmed in Chamba in 2019 and had also been reported in Pakistan and Kashmir. The researchers stated that it was primarily found in Central Asia but had gradually expanded its range eastward into the northwestern Himalayan region.

The second case involved a 62-year-old man from Bhanjraru village in the Churah valley. He accidentally stepped on a snake while going to work on July 7, 2021, and was bitten on the left leg. He collapsed within half an hour while being taken to a health facility and was declared dead at the Civil Hospital, Tissa.

Both fatal encounters occurred during the daytime. The study says that the Caspian cobra generally inhabits higher, open and rocky terrain, with the species recorded in Chamba at around 2,000 metres and above. However, local reports cited by the researchers indicate that its range is gradually extending towards lower elevations.

The study also documents two survivors, aged 25 and 45, who were bitten while rescuing snakes. With anti-snake venom unavailable at the local hospital, they were treated with herbs. A herb locally known as “Mirchadi” was identified by the researchers as Pergularia daemia (Forssk), commonly known as Trellis Vine.

The study, however, stresses the efficacy of herbal remedies against Caspian cobra venom requires scientific evaluation. The researchers also flag concerns over the effectiveness of commercially available polyvalent anti-snake venom, which is primarily developed against India’s “Big Four” snakes: spectacled cobra, Russell’s viper, common krait and saw-scaled viper. Previous studies have indicated limited reactivity against some major toxins in Caspian cobra venom.

The researchers have called for greater community awareness and immediate medical treatment after suspected snakebites, warning that delays caused by reliance on faith healers can prove fatal.