In the Lviv region, doctors saved a child after a viper bite

In the Lviv region, doctors at St. Nicholas Children’s Hospital saved a child who was bitten on the finger by a viper while fishing by a lake. Thanks to prompt medical attention and the correct choice of conservative treatment, the doctors were able to stop the spread of the venom and avoid surgery.

After the snake bite, swelling rapidly spread from the finger to the entire hand. The injured child was rushed to the intensive care unit, where anesthesiologists and surgeons stabilized her condition. The next day, she was transferred to the surgical ward, and on the ninth day, she was discharged home after all her test results returned to normal.

Pediatric surgeon Larisa Shevchenko emphasized: “Swelling from a viper bite builds up within hours—it happens very quickly. Don’t wait until the weekend is over or until morning. As soon as such an injury occurs, go to a medical facility immediately.”

In the event of a snake bite, medical professionals recommend following these guidelines:

* Keep the victim calm and give them plenty of water;
* Remove any clothing or jewelry from the bite site and immobilize the limb;
* Rinse the wound with water and apply a medical bandage;
* Seek professional medical help immediately.

At the same time, it is strictly forbidden to apply a tourniquet, suck out the venom, cauterize the bite site, or make incisions in the skin.

Source: St. Nicholas Children’s Hospital, First Medical Association of Lviv.

A 29-year-old woman from the Rivne region was admitted to the intensive care unit after being bitten by a viper.

From March through early August, 30 cases of people seeking medical help due to snake bites were recorded in Ukraine. Among the victims were four children.