Snakebite Research Unit, Little Flower Hospital, Angamaly

SNAKEBITE CAMP AT OLAVIPE

Dr Joseph and Ian Simpson Demonstrating Snake Identification with PRO Shyju

Ian Simpson and Dr Joseph K Joseph Presenting First Aid Techniques with PRO Shyju

PROFFESSOR DAVID WARRELS VISIT

Prof David Warrell from Oxford University in the U.K. visited Little Flower Hospital from 16th February to 26th February 2006. Prof Warrell is the worlds leading authority on the treatment of snakebite, and his primary objective was to present lectures and workshops to the staff of Little Flower Hospital.

In addition, he reviewed the work of the Snakebite Research Unit to better understand the discoveries being made in the field of snakebite treatment in India. He held a number of lectures and a specialised workshop on research methods of analysis and recording for the SRU.

Prof Warrell carried out bedside training for doctors at Little Flower and was able to see snakebite cases on admission. This provided him the opportunity to examine Indian Russells Viper and Hump-nosed Pitviper victims. A key project examining the intracompartmental pressure in victims of Indian snakebite was demonstrated.

During his visit, Prof. Warrell was able to review some new discoveries concerning the Russells Viper that are currently being prepared for publication..

The Director, Father Sebastian Vadakkumpaden giving the keynote address before Prof Warrell's Opening Lecture

Little Flower Nursing Students, Ian D Simpson, Medical Director Tony Fernandez, Prof David Warrell and Father Sebastian at the Keynote Lecture

RARE SNAKE IDENTIFIED

A rare snake species, the Kerala Mud Snake (Enhydris dussumieri) has been identified at Little Flower Hospital Snakebite Research Unit. The Kerala Mud Snake is a water snake and has been responsible for five bites in the last few months.

"The snake is a bit of a mystery", said Ian Simpson from the Research Unit, "its classified as mildly venomous. This means it uses venom to catch its prey. We dont believe the venom is dangerous to humans but we are taking special care with these bites. The fact that the fangs are in the back of the mouth, make it very difficult to envenomate humans"

Bites usually occur when the victim is bathing or walking along the edge of streams.

The Research Unit has been able to provide unique photographs and data to the world's leading authorities. There is very little data available on the species.

Dr Joseph K Joseph said, "We believe there are only two museum specimens of this snake in the world. We have five at Little Flower!"

The Director of Little Flower, Father Sebastian Vadakumpaden said, "When we set up the Research Unit we were keen to discover new facts and improved treatments. This sort of discovery helps us to better understand and treat snakebite in the area"

Rare Snake Identified at Little Flower Hospital