KRISTINE CATAMORA & EMARD AYOC | DSSC Interns
PROPER awareness and prevention remain the most effective ways to reduce snakebite incidents, an expert from the Southern Philippines Medical Center’s Poison Treatment and Control Institute advised.
Dr. Ella Joy Nogas emphasized the importance of educating families about snakebite prevention and appropriate emergency response.
She noted that Davao is home to some of the country’s most venomous snake species, including the Philippine King Cobra, considered one of the most deadliest in the country.
She explained that bites from venomous snakes can cause severe pain, swelling, bleeding, tissue damage, breathing difficulties, paralysis, and even death if immediate medical treatment is not provided.
“We only have a limited amount of antivenom,” Dr. Nogas said, emphasizing that supplies remain limited due to production costs.
However, she stressed that prevention and immediate medical consultation are critical, as antivenom is a specialized treatment with limited availability. Avoiding snakebite incidents through proper environmental management and public awareness remains the best defense against life-threatening envenomation.
Nogas also emphasized that prevention begins at home. She encouraged households, particularly those in rural communities, to keep their surroundings clean by removing tall grass, piles of wood, debris, and other potential hiding places.
She also cautioned the public against harmful first-aid practices such as cutting the wound or attempting to suck out the venom, warning that these interventions may worsen the injury rather than provide relief.
Dr. Nogas underscored that prompt medical treatment and increased public awareness can significantly improve survival rates and reduce complications from snake envenomation. She encouraged communities to remain informed about poison prevention measures to help create safer homes and protect families from preventable emergencies.
