On Thursday, a child died after a snakebite, taking the number of deaths reported in April to three.

Children who go out to play have been advised not to enter overgrown or bushy areas.

Any unusual wound or burning sensation on the body should not be ignored. Immediate medical attention is essential, said SARPA State Nodal Officer Y Mohammed Anwar.

Symptoms to watch for

Symptoms of snakebite may include dizziness, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, drooping of the eyelids, abdominal pain, and bleeding from the nose.

In Kerala, fewer than 10 snake species are highly venomous. These include the cobra, common krait, viper, saw-scaled viper, pit viper and king cobra. Most fatalities are caused by cobra, viper and krait bites.

Snakes tend to come out of their burrows more often during the hotter months. This is also the period when their eggs hatch. The young snakes then search for safe shelter, often moving towards cooler places such as homes and nearby areas.

What to do if a snake is found

If a venomous snake is spotted near or inside a building, residents can contact forest department rescue teams, who will safely remove it. The service is free and available through the SARPA mobile application or district coordinators.

Precautionary measures

• Residents are advised to keep both indoor and surrounding areas clean.
• Bushes, waste and overgrowth in courtyards and pathways should be cleared regularly.
• Avoid storing bricks, firewood, stones or unused materials near buildings.
• Do not move around at night without proper lighting.
• Firewood and other outdoor materials should be handled with care and collected only during daylight.
• Food waste should be disposed of properly, as it attracts rodents, which in turn draw snakes.
• Tree branches near buildings should be trimmed, and creepers should not be allowed to reach windows or vents.
• Drainage pipes must be covered, and gaps under doors or other openings sealed.
• All holes and burrows on the premises should be closed.
• Before going to bed, residents should check under beds and shake pillows and mattresses.
• Shoes, slippers and helmets kept outside should be checked before use. Children should be taught this habit.
• Toilets should be kept closed, and gaps in pipes and fittings monitored.
• Before lifting cooking gas cylinders stored outside, the underside should be checked carefully.