THE Pietermaritzburg man bitten by a puff adder this week was in a stable condition in Edendale Hospital yesterday
Johannes Ferreira, 38, was helping friends clean their yard in Thornville when he was bitten on the finger of his right hand.
Spokesman for the KZN Department of Health, Chris Maxon, said Ferreira had undergone minor surgery yesterday and was responding well to treatment.
Meanwhile, experts in snake removal said they have received a surge in calls recently, but attributed this to the holiday season and people being outdoors, as opposed to the hot weather.
Based at Ushaka Marine World, Craig Smith said they can receive up to 10 calls a day from the public. He said reports of bites included a five-year-old girl being bitten by a spitting cobra, a report of a viper bite on the South Coast and this week’s puff adder bite.
“There has been unusual activity. Snakes are normally active in spring (August) and when their offspring are born and they are preparing for hibernation (March),” he said.
Animal Rights in Action spokesman Steve Smit said the public must avoid killing snakes. Smit’s number is 082 659 4711.
“People are often bitten while trying to catch a snake.
“Snakes play a very important role in the environment by keeping pests down,” said Smit.
Well-known snake catcher, “JP” Wittstock, said tourniquets should not be applied to a snake bite, but additional venom around the bite should be washed off. Also, keep a hospital number handy on your cellphone. His number is 083 787 6681.
- The Independent on Saturday