Snake bites are very common in Sri Lanka.Hump nosed vipers are usually considered to be mild to moderately venomous snakes. In central province, the commonest snake bites are caused by the hump nosed viper. They also exists in the dry zone too. Many people who present to Kandy and Peradeniya Hospitals do not show systemic envenomation. But, some of the hump nosed viper bites reported in the dry zone have shown to cause severe systemic reaction. This can be because the venom in snakes in dry zone is more concentrated than that in snakes in the wet zones.
When a person presented with a history of snake bite, he is examined to identify the fang marks. Presence of fang marks do not always indicate that the venom has been injected to the body. Therefore, the patient is observed for reactions. They are usually given a dose of steroids to reduce inflammation and antibiotics if there is a wound.
The antivenum serum used in Sri Lanka is important from India. It is not effective against hump nosed viper. Therefore, it should not be given. Earlier the standard practice was to give the antivenom serum for hump nosed viper bites too. Bit, they have found out that it causes more harm than benefit.
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