A tribal woman from Odisha's Malkangiri district captured the snake that bit her while she was sleeping at home and brought it to the hospital in a plastic container. Carrying the snake enabled healthcare providers to identify the species and support her clinical assessment following the bite.
According to a video shared by India Today on Instagram, 38-year-old Manima Nayak, a resident of Kurumpali village in Odisha's Malkangiri district, was bitten on the foot by a Russell's viper while she was sleeping inside her house on Wednesday night. After realizing she had been bitten, she caught the snake alive, secured it inside an empty plastic biscuit container, and informed her family before leaving for the hospital.
Her family arranged for her transport by ambulance to the Mathili Community Health Centre, where she received initial treatment before being referred to the Malkangiri District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) for further care. Hospital officials later stated that she was out of danger.
Speaking about the incident, Manima said she first received treatment at Mathili Community Health Centre before being referred to the District Headquarters Hospital. She said that although swelling in her leg persisted, she was feeling better after receiving treatment, as reported in The New Indian Express.
I first went to Mathili hospital and was later referred to the DHH. Though my leg is still swollen, I feel better now.
Manima Nayak
Dr. Prafulla Kumar Behera, who is overseeing Manima Nayak's treatment at the District Headquarters Hospital, said the effects of the venom had been controlled and that she was not showing signs of systemic envenomation, as reported in The New Indian Express.
However, he noted that the bite wound had become infected, prompting her transfer to the surgery department for further management. According to Dr. Behera, she is expected to remain hospitalized for approximately two more weeks before discharge. He added that bringing the snake to the hospital allowed clinicians to identify the species promptly, which helped guide timely medical management.
According to Deccan Chronicle, doctors were initially surprised when Manima Nayak arrived carrying the live Russell's viper in a plastic container. The snake was identified as a Russell's viper, which confirmed the species involved in the bite while clinicians continued her treatment.
The venom has been neutralized and there are no signs of systemic poisoning now. However, the bite site has developed an infection, for which she has been shifted to the surgery department. She may require around two more weeks of treatment before being discharged.
Dr. Prafulla Kumar Behera
As the woman recovers in hospital, the incident has sparked discussion on social media. Some users described her actions as demonstrating presence of mind, while others noted that medical experts generally advise against attempting to catch or handle a venomous snake after a bite because it may lead to additional injuries.
One user remarked, " Incredible presence of mind." Someone else noted, "I love that she was so quick thinking. Kudos"
According to reports, Manima Nayak received timely medical care after reaching the hospital and is recovering under medical supervision.
Although bringing the snake enabled doctors to identify the species in this case, doctors online recommended moving away from the snake after a bite, seeking emergency medical care immediately, and avoiding any attempt to capture or handle the animal because of the risk of further injury.
(Rh/SS/MSM)
