What are the other Names for this Condition (Also known as/Synonyms)

• African Gaboon Adder Snake Bite
• Bitis Gabonica Snake Bite
• Forest Puff Adder Snake Bite

What is Central African Gaboon Viper Snake Bite? (Definition/ Background Information)

• The Central African gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica) is a highly venomous snake that is found widespread in Central and Southern Africa. The snake belongs to the viper family or Viperidae and is found in altitudes up to 6,700 feet (2,000 m), generally in well-vegetated areas. The Central African gaboon viper can grow to large sizes from an average of 4 feet to even up to 8 feet (mostly seen in the western African region)
• The viper is a land-dwelling reptile that is seen in the tropical rainforests and its fringes, including in deforested areas. It has a slightly flattened but very heavy body with a short tail. The large and very wide head is triangular-shaped and distinct from its narrow neck. The snake has a short snout with outward directed nostrils (that appear like knobs). The fangs of the gaboon viper exceeds 2 inches in length, and is the longest among all venomous snakes in the world
• Central African gaboon viper may be in several colors such as pink, purple, cream, and brown with complex geometrical pattern along the back and sides. The belly of the snake is usually buff-colored with dark blotches. The head is cream-white on top with a dark dividing line along the middle; also, two dark triangles from the eye corners moving backwards may be noted
• The snake is nocturnal in nature. It is often found well-camouflaged in leaf litter on the forest floors. It mostly preys on mammals, including large rodents, birds, and frogs, but is also known to hunt larger prey such as monkeys and hares. The Central African gaboon viper generally possesses a mild and sluggish disposition, usually refraining from biting humans. However, if provoked sufficiently, it can let out a loud and prolonged hissing (warning) before striking quickly
• Central African Gaboon Viper Snake Bites can result in high systemic envenomation (venom injection); the rate of envenoming is between 60-80%. The venom contains potent hemotoxins that can cause severe local and systemic effects, including significant bleeding, low blood pressure, and cardiotoxicity. These large vipers are known to inject huge quantities of venom resulting in early deaths without adequate treatment
• The signs and symptoms of Central African Gaboon Viper Snake Bite may include severe pain, bruising, swelling, and blistering at the bite site, which may be progressively followed by moderate to severe tissue necrosis, headache, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, convulsions, and collapse, necessitating immediate treatment
• Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment is necessary, which may include pain medication, intravenous fluid administration, blood transfusion, and respiratory support, as needed. The prognosis of Central African Gaboon Viper Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; without suitable treatment, death rates are generally high