Bihar Snakebite Patient Walks Into Sadar Hospital Carrying the Live Cobra That Bit Him, Triggering Panic

A Bihar snakebite patient sparked panic at Sadar Hospital in East Champaran after walking into the facility carrying the live baby cobra that had bitten him inside a small container. India Today reported that the patient, identified as Nirbhay Kumar, caught the snake after it bit him while he was attempting to rescue it. He later opened the container to show the reptile to doctors, prompting alarm among patients, attendants, and healthcare workers. The medical team treated Kumar immediately and kept him under observation for about 12 hours before confirming that his condition was stable.

Medical Dialogues reported that Nirbhay Kumar reached Sadar Hospital in East Champaran carrying the live baby cobra after it bit him while he was attempting to rescue it. Videos circulating on social media showed Kumar opening the container inside the hospital, prompting patients, attendants, and healthcare workers to move away while others watched from a safe distance.

Hospital doctors examined Kumar, administered first aid, and began treatment for the snakebite before keeping him under observation as a precaution. Following the incident, doctors urged the public not to catch or transport snakes after a bite, warning that doing so could expose the victim and others to additional danger.

According to India Today, doctors at Sadar Hospital advised people not to catch, handle, or transport a snake after a bite, warning that doing so could increase the risk of further injury and delay medical care. They urged the public to seek immediate treatment at the nearest healthcare facility instead of attempting to bring the snake along.

Supporting this advice, N. V. Rajiv, Herpetologist and Wildlife Scientist, previously told MedBound Times, "No, it is not recommended to catch the snake. If possible, a photo of the snake can be useful for the doctors. It is usually the symptoms that drive their treatment; treatment is based on symptoms, not snake identification. Also, in India, we use polyvalent antivenom."

Doctors determine whether anti-snake venom (ASV) and supportive care are needed after assessing the patient's condition. Delaying hospital care to capture or transport a snake can increase the risk of complications while also putting others nearby in danger.

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Doctors at Sadar Hospital told India Today that people should seek immediate medical attention after a snakebite instead of attempting to catch or transport the snake, as doing so may delay treatment and increase the risk of further injury.

Although Nirbhay Kumar recovered after receiving timely treatment, doctors said the safest response after a snakebite is to reach the nearest healthcare facility immediately rather than attempting to bring the snake to the hospital.

(Rh/TP/MSM)