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

• Bengal Cobra Snake Bite
• Naja Kaouthia Snake Bite
• Thai Cobra Snake Bite

What is Monocled Cobra Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) is a highly venomous snake that is widely distributed across the Indian sub-continent, north Asia, and southeast Asia that includes the countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is found at elevations of up to 3,200 feet (1,000 m). Monocled cobras are large reptiles belonging to the Elapidae family (genus Naja or cobra), which generally includes slender and swift moving snakes
• This heavy and robust-bodied snake can grow from around 3.5 feet to almost 7.5 feet in length. The snake’s head is flat and elliptical with a rounded snout and medium-sized eyes; the head and neck are slightly distinct from each other. Like most cobras, the head and neck of the monocled cobra can spread into a long hood. The name of the cobra is derived from the large “O-shaped” annular mark (in yellow or orange) on the back of its hood that is prominently visible, especially when the hood is expanded
• The snake has a glossy body, and the color and pattern on the snake may change considerably from one geographical region to another. It is usually in shades of brown, yellow, or even black. The body may be marked by dark bands that are alternatingly narrow and broad. The underbelly of the snake is nearly the same as the body color; the side immediately behind the hood is usually much lighter (yellow-white)
• The snake is terrestrial and feeds on frogs and toads (mainly), small mammals (rodents), birds, other snakes, and even fish. It prefers to hunt during late evenings or nights. The monocled cobra inhabits areas of dense vegetation, forests, grasslands, and cultivated lands. The snake is frequently found near dense human settlements (villages, towns, and cities). It prefers to take shelter in tree stumps, old buildings, or animal burrows
• Contact with humans is regularly observed in the endemic regions, and Monocled Cobra Snake Bites are common. In search of food, the snake frequents areas with human population. The cobra is described as being moderately aggressive. It usually tries to escape when disturbed. However, if provoked, it may threaten with raised forebody and expanded hood display; the snake may also mock strike with its mouth closed
• Monocled Cobra Snake Bites can result in fatalities due to systemic envenomation (venom injection through a bite), if the condition is left untreated. The rate of envenoming is high at 60-80% and the untreated mortality rate is about 10%. The potency of its venom is also dependent upon the geographical region (to a certain extent)
• The venom is believed to contain potent neurotoxins and cytotoxins. Significant symptoms, such as low blood pressure, severe tissue necrosis, flaccid paralysis, and respiratory distress, may be noted. The signs and symptoms may include moderate to severe local pain, swelling, and blistering at the bite site, which may progress to headache, sweating, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, seizures, dizziness, and collapse
• Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment that may include pain medication, wound care, intravenous fluid administration, and respiratory support may be necessary. The prognosis of Monocled Cobra Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; but without immediate treatment, early deaths are reported