Zimbabwe recorded 141 snake bite cases in one week, the week ending 18 February 2024, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has revealed.
In its Disease Surveillance Report released on Thursday, 29 February, the Ministry of Health, however, said no deaths resulted from the 130 snake bites. 
This is a notable decrease from the 180 recorded in the week ending 4 February 2024. It said:
<blockquote>
Disease Surveillance Report for the week ending 18 February 2024. 141 snake bite cases and no deaths were reported this week.
The cumulative figures for snake bites are 1 042 cases and 7 deaths. Despite the decrease, the ministry alerts people to be careful when spending time outdoors.
</blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, the snake season lasts from September to March, when snakes become more active after a period of hibernation between April and August.
If you get bitten by a snake, here’s what you should do:
<ul>
<li>Try to stay as calm as possible to slow down the spread of venom.</li>
<li>Remove any jewellery or tight clothing near the bite site as swelling may occur.</li>
<li>If possible, keep the bitten area below the level of your heart to slow down the spread of venom.</li>
<li>It’s important to seek medical help immediately.</li>
</ul>
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Zimbabwe Records 141 Snake Bites, No Deaths In One Week

A form six (6) student at Rushinga High died on Thursday evening after she was bitten by a snake in the classroom while coming from sports.
Rushinga legislator Tendai Nyabani confirmed the tragedy to <a href="https://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-226873.html">Byo24</a>. Nyabani is quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
I can confirm a sudden death in Rushinga where a form six girl Melody Chiputura (17) was bitten by a snake yesterday afternoon after coming from sports.
We are still shocked as to where this snake came from because students had used the classroom twice and as Rushinga constituency we are saddened by this incident.
</blockquote>
Nyabani further said the classroom where the girl was bitten, had been used by students for two days.
Melody was the daughter of Joseph Chiputura a ZANU PF councillor in Rushinga.
When a storm moves into an area that brings heavy rain, underground dens and burrowed tunnels will begin to fill with water, essentially flooding the snake’s home. 
This will drive the snakes to leave their den and seek dry, safe shelter. So they come out to people’s abodes, sheds, barns, debris, and abandoned buildings seeking a new home.
It is therefore important to:
<blockquote>
i). Be mindful when clearing and cleaning debris. Wear gloves that can protect you against snake bites. 
ii). Wear snake-protective booths that are at least 10 feet high. 
iii). Avoid stepping on a log, unless you are seeing the other side. 
iv). Keep your lawn areas short.
</blockquote>
If you see a snake approaching, do not fuss; move aside and allow it to proceed.
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