Local authorities have issued a warning following reports of king cobra sightings, with one fatality already reported due to a snakebite.
On April 3rd, in a village located in Yingzhou Town, Lingshui, Hainan, a collaborative effort between firefighters and villagers resulted in the capture and elimination of two, 2-metre long king cobras.
The rainy season, spanning from April to October, marks a period of heightened snake activity, posing a significant increase in the risk of snakebites.
The incident, which coincides with the mango tree pruning season and sees a lot of farmers working in orchards, has raised speculation that a 39-year-old victim whose body was discovered on the mountainside alongside a deceased king cobra, was bitten while working in the area.
Following the death, villagers reported additional sightings of two king cobras in the vicinity. Despite speculation that the snakes might have been deliberately released, investigations into their origins remain inconclusive, according to village officials.
Authorities urge residents to exercise caution when encountering snakes outdoors, advising against provoking or approaching them. In the event of a snakebite, individuals are advised to remain calm, record the snake’s features if possible, and seek immediate medical attention. Attempting to extract venom orally or delaying medical treatment can exacerbate injuries and pose further risks to health.
Health professionals emphasize the importance of early intervention, recommending the administration of snake antivenom as the primary treatment for venomous snakebites. Timely medical intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes and mitigate the risk of complications.
Local authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and report any snake sightings promptly.
Where to get treatment if bitten by a snake
Hainan Provincial People’s Hospital:
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Antivenom for Russell’s viper venom
Antivenom for king cobra venom
Antivenom for bamboo pit viper venom
Hainan Second Provincial People’s Hospital:
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Antivenom for king cobra venom
Hainan Women and Children’s Medical Centre:
Antivenom for king cobra venom
Antivenom for bamboo pit viper venom
First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University:
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Antivenom for Russell’s viper venom
Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University:
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Antivenom for Russell’s viper venom
Antivenom for king cobra venom
Haikou People’s Hospital:
Antivenom for Russell’s viper venom
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Sanya Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital:
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Antivenom for Russell’s viper venom
Antivenom for king cobra venom
Antivenom for bamboo pit viper venom
Wenchang People’s Hospital:
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Qionghai City People’s Hospital:
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Antivenom for bamboo pit viper venom
Antivenom for king cobra venom
Antivenom for Russell’s viper venom
Wanning City People’s Hospital:
Generic antivenom
Ding’an County People’s Hospital:
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Antivenom for Russell’s viper venom
Antivenom for king cobra venom
Antivenom for bamboo pit viper venom
Tunchang County People’s Hospital:
Antivenom for bamboo pit viper venom
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Chengmai County People’s Hospital:
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Antivenom for king cobra venom
Antivenom for bamboo pit viper venom
Antivenom for Russell’s viper venom
Lingao County People’s Hospital:
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Antivenom for king cobra venom
Antivenom for bamboo pit viper venom
Hainan Western Central Hospital:
Antivenom for Russell’s viper venom
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Antivenom for bamboo pit viper venom
Danzhou City People’s Hospital:
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Antivenom for Russell’s viper venom
Antivenom for bamboo pit viper venom
Antivenom for king cobra venom
Dongfang City People’s Hospital:
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Antivenom for Russell’s viper venom
Antivenom for bamboo pit viper venom
Antivenom for king cobra venom
Le Dong Li Autonomous County Second People’s Hospital:
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Antivenom for Russell’s viper venom
Antivenom for bamboo pit viper venom
Antivenom for king cobra venom
Qiongzhong County People’s Hospital:
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Wushi Branch of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University:
Antivenom for bamboo pit viper venom
Antivenom for king cobra venom
Baoting County People’s Hospital:
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Antivenom for bamboo pit viper venom
Antivenom for Russell’s viper venom
Antivenom for king cobra venom
Lingshui County People’s Hospital:
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Antivenom for Russell’s viper venom
Baisha County People’s Hospital:
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Changjiang Li Autonomous County Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital:
Antivenom for pit viper venom
Antivenom for king cobra venom
Antivenom for Russell’s viper venom
Related article: Hainan Summer Safety: Preventing Poisoning from Toxic Plants
