While collecting firewood in the rural fields of Udaipur village, Karan, a 15-year-old from Kannauj, encountered a deadly cobra. The snake struck, delivering a venomous bite that triggered immediate danger. Hearing his cries, nearby residents rushed to his aid, quickly killing the snake with sticks to prevent further harm. Karan’s brother and uncle acted decisively, rushing him to the Kannauj district hospital on a motorcycle. They carried the dead cobra in a bottle, enabling doctors to identify the snake and tailor the treatment. At the hospital, emergency medical officer Dr. Hari Madhav Yadav took charge of the critical situation.
District hospital Emergency Medical Officer Dr. Hari Madhav Yadav said that when Karan was brought in, his condition was extremely critical. He was admitted immediately and treatment began. The venom was so strong that within just two hours he had to be given 76 injections roughly one injection every 90 seconds. Thanks to the doctors’ prompt action, his life was saved, and reports say his condition is stable.
Dr. Yadav explained that such a high number of injections were necessary because the symptoms of venom poisoning were not subsiding. Karan’s oxygen levels were dropping, and his breathing was failing. “We prioritized saving his life. If any signs of side reactions appeared, we were prepared to treat them,” Dr. Yadav said. There was no shortage of anti-snake venom at the hospital, which ensured that treatment was not delayed. This is now considered the biggest case in the district hospital’s history, where 76 doses were given to save one life.
Initially unresponsive, Karan showed signs of improvement as the treatment progressed. “He’s now stable and can talk, though he’s still drowsy,” his brother reported, expressing hope for a full recovery. Dr. Yadav confirmed, “Timely intervention was crucial. Karan remains under observation and is expected to recover completely.”
Recently, in the United States, researcher Tim Friede has taken an extraordinary approach by enduring over 200 snakebites since 2001 to develop a universal antivenom. By injecting himself with venom from some of the world’s most dangerous snakes, Friede built antibodies in his blood that protect against 19 venomous species, as demonstrated in animal tests. It promises fewer side effects than traditional animal-derived treatments.
(Rh/Eth/VK/MSM)