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

• Okinawan Habu Snake Bite
• Protobothrops Flavoviridis Snake Bite
• Yellow-Green Pitviper Snake Bite

What is Okinawa Habu Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The Okinawa habu (Protobothrops flavoviridis) is a highly-venomous snake that is found only in the Ryuku Islands, a chain of islands that is part of Japan, particularly in Amami and Okinawa island groups. The snake belongs to the subspecies of pit vipers, family Viperidae. Pit vipers are termed so, due to the presence of certain heat-sensing organs located in a recess/notch between their eyes and nostrils
• Okinawa habu preys mainly on small rodents and amphibians (frogs), including sometimes on birds and lizards. It is mostly a nocturnal reptile that can be found in mountain and coastal forests, residential areas, and frequenting sugarcane plantations and cycad woods. The snake can also climb large plants and small trees
• Okinawa habu can grow from anywhere between 4.5 feet to nearly 10 feet in length. It is among the longest of the pitvipers found in Asia. This moderately slender snake has a large triangular-shaped head and a gradually tapering tail. The head of the snake is distinct from its narrow neck. The body color is usually pale green-brown to olive-yellow, with yellow-scale edged dark brown/green blotches
• Since the snake is found close to human dwellings and among agricultural crops, human contact is commonly observed; the snakes are also known to enter homes in search of rodents. Okinawa Habu Snake Bites can cause moderate to severe envenomation (venom injection) that can result in possible deaths without early treatment
• The signs and symptoms of Okinawa Habu Snake Bite may include severe localized effects such as pain at the bite site, swelling, and blistering. Systemic symptoms may include severe tissue damage and necrosis, shock, and bleeding problems. The venom is a potent mix of hemotoxins and myotoxins that can cause variable and non-specific symptoms in the victims
• Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment is necessary, which may include pain medication, wound care, blood transfusion, and respiratory support, as needed. The prognosis of Okinawa Habu Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; but without suitable treatment, the lethality rate is between 10% to 20%