COBRA BITE

Devine Cobra bites kill 50,000 Indians each year

‘’Naga ‘’ in Hindi. This snake is revered in Indian mythology and culture, and is often seen with snake charmers. This snake is one of the endangered species It is now protected in India under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972).

It can grow to a maximum of about 2.4 metres (7.9 ft) in length. It has a Spectacle pattern on the rear of its hood. This snake can also be found in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.it lives in plains, jungles, open fields. it feeds on rodents, lizards and frogs. It lays Eggs between the months of April and July. The female snake usually lays between 12 to 20 eggs in RAT holes or termite mounds.

Its venom contains neurotoxin and cardiotoxin, which acts in the nervous system thus paralalyzing the muscles leading to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. Envenomation symptoms may manifest between 15 minutes to 2 hours following the bite and can be fatal in an hour in severe cases of Envenomation.

The spectacled cobra is worshiped in India by Hindus, and even has its own place in Hindu mythology as a powerful deity. The Hindu god Shiva is often depicted with a protective cobra coiled around his neck. Cobras are also worshipped during the Hindu festival of'' Nag Panchami.''

  Widespread belief in the snakes’ divine powers, and a religious prohibition on harming the deadly reptiles. The cobra, in particular, occupies a hallowed place in the Hindu religion. The Hindu god Vishnu is often portrayed with a halo of cobra heads, their hoods flaring, above his head. One of a cobra species that live in India, are revered as incarnations of gods. Only Brahmins — members of Hinduism’s priestly caste — are allowed to touch them. Even the skins shed by the snakes are covered by the taboo. With the cult attracting thousands of pilgrims, Hindu priests are eager to maintain their authority — and the impression that their magic alone can properly treat the frequent snakebites.

As India’s ancient ways and taboos clash with slowly encroaching modernity. Snakebites are a serious problem in India: According to estimates cited by the World Health Organization, serpent attacks kill as many as 50,000 Indians each year.