In Ukraine, 20 cases of snake bites were recorded in three months
4 July 16:27
From April to June 2025, doctors registered 20 cases of snake bites. This was reported by the Public Health Center on Facebook, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
This year’s statistics are significantly lower than last year: 29 more cases were recorded in the same period in 2024. Among the victims are five children.
Most cases were recorded in Lviv region (12), 6 in Zhytomyr region, and one each in Zakarpattia and Kirovohrad regions.
The Public Health Center emphasizes that snakes are most often found in wet places – swamps, overgrown river and lake banks, in the mountains and steppes. When outdoors, experts advise wearing thick clothing, high closed shoes, checking the area before sitting down, avoiding contact with snakes, and not making sudden movements; if you see a reptile, wait until it crawls away.
If you are bitten by a snake, it is important to act quickly but calmly. Here’s what to do:
First aid for snakebite:
Stay calm.- Panic speeds up the heartbeat and the spread of venom through the body.
- Immobilize the bitten limb.
- Keep it immobile (as in a fracture) and keep it below the level of the heart.
- Remove jewelry and tight clothing.
- This will help to avoid increased swelling.
- Drink plenty of water.
- But not alcohol or caffeine!
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible
Call an ambulance (103) or go to the nearest medical facility.
What not to do:
Do not suck the venom out of the wound.- Do not cauterize or cut the bite.
- Do not apply ice.
Do not drink alcohol or energy drinks. - Do not apply a tourniquet (it can lead to tissue necrosis).
When in the hospital:
Doctors will administer tetanus serum, painkillers, antihistamines, or, if necessary, tetanus serum (antitoxin) if it appears that the bite was poisonous.
