24 STILETTO SNAKEBITES, NO ANTIVENOM

PIGG’S PEAK – One would think that continuous rainfall means fewer snakebites, but the opposite is true. 

At least 24 people reported snakebites inflicted by stiletto snakes. This snake is characterised by its black colour and is shiny and tempting to pick, especially by children. 

The bites are said to have taken place during the period of the recent heavy rains.

Though their bites may not often be lethal, they can sometimes cause extensive tissue damage. No antivenom is available for this kind snakebite. 

The snake is also known for its vigorous motion when confronted, making it difficult to handle. 

Thea Litscha-Koen, who is the co-founder of Eswatini Antivenom Foundation, said there had been bites from other types of snakes but the stiletto bites were very common during the heavy downpour. She said this was because the snake lived in holes beneath the earth. 

“It is the first time we had so many bites by this snake,” said Thea, who added that every area in the kingdom was affected. 

She said the snakes were positively confirmed because the victims were taking the snakes with them to the health facilities. 

Thea said during heavy downpour, the snake’s habitat became flooded, forcing it to move out. It is during this time that many people are said to have been bitten. 

She warned that the stiletto bite was very painful and that it could be rated as a seven out of a scale of 10. However, she said the swelling was not often very severe, but that it caused swelling in the bitten area. “If it is the foot that was bitten, it swells,” said Thea. 

Venom 

She revealed that the snake had cytotoxic venom, which means it causes swelling and pain. She added that it could lead to a blister and even damage to the tissue. “But significant necrosis is very rare,” she said when explaining that a snakebite from this reptile would not lead to amputation as would be in the case of bites from the Mozambique spitting cobra or puff adder. 

Thea also said another common bite was the rhombic night adder, which was also locally called inhlangano. It is much smaller and thinner than the puff adder. 

She said the bite was similar to that of a stiletto and that there was also no antivenom for the snake. Just like in the case of the stiletto, bites from the rhombic adder do not often cause severe tissue damage but may cause significant ecchymosis (bleeding under the skin). 

Thea also added that there had been black mamba, puff adder, and Mozambique spitting cobra bites, though less common due to the heavy rains and cold weather. “People should still be careful and vigilant,” she said. As the weather is improving and it will be hot the next few weeks. During February and March, snakes are looking to reproduce.

Many snake eggs are hatching during this period and others are giving birth. They are also trying to find as much food as possible before the cooler months of winter. 

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