Snakes on the Rise in Azle

Snakes bites have been on the rise this year. Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Azle has seen 9 snake bites so far in 2009 compared to a total of 8 for the entire year of 2008. All of the poisonous snake bites we have treated this year have been from Copperheads. 3 of the 9 from this year have been children under the age of 10. Snakes are most active this time of year and the majority of the bites we have seen have resulted from individuals working in gardens or around brush piles. The snake antivenin is used to treat snakebites from rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins. It is derived from sheep and is generally well tolerated. It is important to know that approximately half of all bits are considered “dry bites.” This means the snake has not injected venom into its victim. These bites can generally be treated with antibiotics and supportive care. The care for a snake bite is to clean the bite area with soap and water and then go to the nearest emergency department for evaluation and treatment if necessary.
Check out the article in this week's Azle News about snakes in Azle.

- Charlie Snead Pharm.D.
Pharmacy Manager, Texas Health Azle