Snake Bite Horror: Quarry Worker Rushed to Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal

Key Takeaways

• A 33-year-old quarry worker was bitten by a snake while on duty in Canelands, KwaZulu-Natal, and was rushed to Osindisweni Government Hospital for treatment.
• The snake responsible for the bite was identified as a Rhombic Night Adder, a species whose venom is cytotoxic and can cause severe localised tissue damage.
• The victim was stabilised by RUSA paramedics before being transported to hospital for further treatment.
• The Rhombic Night Adder is a species of venomous snake native to Sub-Saharan Africa, with an average total length of 60cm.

Introduction to the Incident
A 33-year-old quarry worker was rushed to Osindisweni Government Hospital (OGH) on Thursday after being bitten by a snake while on duty in Canelands, KwaZulu-Natal. The incident occurred at approximately 12:09, when a colleague transported the injured man to the Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) headquarters for urgent assistance, bringing the dead snake responsible for the bite in a plastic packet. This prompt action by the colleague likely played a crucial role in ensuring the victim received timely medical attention, which is essential in cases of snake bites.

Stabilising the Victim
RUSA paramedics immediately stabilised the victim, who sustained a bite to his right hand, before transporting him to hospital for further treatment. The colleague who brought the victim to the RUSA headquarters informed the officers that the man had been bitten while working at the quarry, prompting workers to kill the snake and bring it along for proper identification. This information is vital in determining the type of venom and the appropriate treatment for the victim. The paramedics’ swift response and stabilisation of the victim would have helped to prevent further complications and improved the chances of a successful treatment outcome.

Identification of the Snake
The reptile was later confirmed to be a Rhombic Night Adder, a species whose venom is cytotoxic, typically causing severe localised tissue damage rather than systemic symptoms. The Rhombic Night Adder is a venomous snake that is native to Sub-Saharan Africa, and its venom can cause significant harm to humans. The fact that the snake was brought to the hospital for identification would have helped the medical team to administer the correct anti-venom and treatment, which is essential in preventing further complications. Further updates on the patient’s condition were not immediately available, but it is hoped that the prompt medical attention and correct treatment would lead to a full recovery.

The Rhombic Night Adder
Causus rhombeatus, commonly known as the rhombic night adder, is a species of venomous snake in the subfamily Viperinae of the family Viperidae. The species is native to Sub-Saharan Africa, and no subspecies are recognised as being valid. With an average total length (tail included) of 60cm, Causus rhombeatus is the largest member of the genus Causus. The longest individual ever recorded was a male, 93cm in length, collected in eastern Zimbabwe. The Rhombic Night Adder is a formidable species that demands respect, and its venom can cause significant harm to humans. It is essential for people living in areas where the snake is found to be aware of its presence and take necessary precautions to avoid encounters.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the incident involving the 33-year-old quarry worker who was bitten by a snake while on duty in Canelands, KwaZulu-Natal, highlights the importance of prompt medical attention and correct identification of the snake species in cases of snake bites. The Rhombic Night Adder is a venomous snake that can cause severe localised tissue damage, and its venom demands respect. The incident also underscores the need for people living in areas where the snake is found to be aware of its presence and take necessary precautions to avoid encounters. By being aware of the risks and taking necessary precautions, we can reduce the likelihood of snake bites and ensure a safer environment for everyone.