Researchers confirm first ever human deaths from Caspian cobra in India

Researchers have confirmed two fatal snakebite cases caused by the venomous Caspian cobra (Naja oxiana) in India, marking a historic medical milestone as no such fatalities had ever been reported from the country before. The findings were published in Epidemiology International, a peer-reviewed journal, through a case report titled "First Report of Deadly Bites by Caspian Cobra (Naja oxiana) From India." This study was authored by Bharti O.K., Menon J.C., Phull A., Joy S., Sharma V. and Malhotra A.

The investigation details two fatalities and two survivals resulting from bites by the species, also known as the Central Asian cobra, within Himachal Pradesh's Chamba region in the Pir Panjal mountain range. Omesh Kumar Bharti of Himachal Pradesh's Directorate of Health Services led the study while collecting data for an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) project on snakebites. "Envenomation and subsequent deaths from the Caspian Cobra (Naja oxiana) have never previously been reported from India," Bharti stated regarding his findings during the data collection process.

The study established that Naja oxiana is primarily found in Central Asia, where high human mortality results from envenoming. While this species has historically been recorded only in Pakistan and Kashmir prior to these incidents, it was previously noted in 2019 within the Tissa block of Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh. Researchers observed that Naja oxiana has rapidly expanded its range from Iran towards the northeast, with local rescuers reporting a slow expansion into lower elevations near Chamba.

The first confirmed fatality occurred in July 2020 at Ullansa village. A 40-year-old man was bitten twice on his leg while spraying an apple orchard. Following the incident, he was taken to a nearby faith healer rather than seeking immediate medical intervention from formal healthcare facilities. His condition continued to deteriorate over time until the third day after the bite, when he was transported to Civil Hospital Bharmour. Upon examination by doctors there, it was determined that the patient lacked a detectable pulse.

A second victim, identified as a 62-year-old man from Bhanjraru village, suffered a fatality in July 2021 while walking to work. He collapsed within half an hour of being bitten. Tragically, he died before reaching Civil Hospital Tissa for treatment. A post-mortem examination attributed his death specifically to the venom's neurotoxic effects according to the study.

Snakebite envenoming remains a significant cause of preventable mortality in rural India overall. The "big four" species, namely the spectacled cobra (Naja naja), Russell's viper (Daboia russelii), common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) and saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus), account for the majority of snakebite envenomation and deaths in India. Commercially available anti-snake venom (ASV) currently corresponds to cover these four species exclusively.

The study highlighted a critical gap in current medical countermeasures, noting that existing ASV does not effectively neutralize the venom components of Naja oxiana. This lack of specific treatment poses severe risks for victims bitten by this expanding snake population. Researchers emphasized the urgent need to create greater community awareness regarding the danger posed by this species in affected areas. Educating local populations on methods to reduce the risk of being bitten is identified as a necessary component of future public health strategies. The case report serves as documentation that while these snakes have been recorded recently, their deadly impact has now reached documented human fatalities for the first time in Indian history.

Source: The Hindu