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

• Boiga Dendrophila Snake Bite
• Gold-Ringed Cat Snake Bite
• Yellow-Ringed Cat Snake Bite

What is Mangrove Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The mangrove snake (Boiga dendrophila) is a mildly-venomous snake that belongs to the largest snake family called Colubridae. There are a variety of sub-species of Boiga dendrophila. The mangrove snake ranges in size from nearly 4 feet to over 8 feet in length
• It is a good climber of plants and trees and is usually found in low-hanging tree branches and bushes near waterbodies. These snakes are excellent swimmers too. The snake mostly hunts at late evenings and nights (nocturnal) and feeds on birds, rodents, lizards, frogs, fish and other snakes
• The mangrove snake is mainly found in several regions of southeast Asia notably in the nations of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. This snake is found in a wide range of habitats; it is abundant in mangrove swamps and along river mouths. It is also found in tropical forests, woodlands, and cultivated lands
• It has a compressed slender body and a long tapering tail. Its head is flat, blunt, and nearly egg-shaped with large mouth, eyes, and a distinct narrow neck. The mangrove snake’s body and belly are glossy-black with characteristic bright yellow bands, seen from the neck to its tail; the lips, chin, and throat of the snake are yellow too
• Human contact with the mangrove snake is not uncommon, and bites have been reported. If disturbed, the snake may open its mouth quite wide as a warning sign and strike when threatened or provoked. Often, the snake will latch on (hold on) to its victim and bite with a vigorous chewing motion, to inject significant amounts of venom from its fang
• Mangrove Snake Bites are generally not known to be lethal. The snake can cause moderate envenomation (venom injection through a bite) with mild-to-moderate local effects and non-specific systemic symptoms in some cases, especially in children
• The signs and symptoms of the snake bite may include pain and swelling in the affected region, tissue and muscle injury, droopy eyelids, poor coordination (ataxia), breathing difficulty, and decreased heart rate
• Currently, no suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is available for Mangrove Snake Bites. Symptomatic treatment is mainly considered that includes hospitalization, wound cleaning, cardiac monitoring, and providing breathing support, as needed. The prognosis of the condition with prompt and effective therapy is usually excellent; lethal bites are generally not reported