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

• Chain Viper Snake Bite
• Daboia Russelii Snake Bite
• Indian Russell's Viper Snake Bite

What is Russell's Viper Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

• The Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) is a highly-venomous snake that is extensively distributed across the whole of India, and in the neighboring countries of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar; other similar species have been reported from parts of southeast and west Asia. The snake belongs to the viper family, Viperidae (and subfamily Viperinae or true vipers), and may be found along coastal regions to altitudes of up to 10,000 feet (3,000 m)
• Russell’s viper bites annually account for over 50% of all snake bites in the endemic regions resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths, making it a giant killer. The factors that make the viper a highly dangerous reptile are its frequent occurrence near dense human residences and farmlands, its highly potent venom, deliverance of large venom quantity per bite (especially fully-grown snakes), and its non-intimidating nature
• The snake may range in size from about 3.5 feet (average length) to over 6 feet. Russell’s vipers are typically active during the evenings and nights (but may be diurnal during colder periods), preying on lizards, frogs, small rodents, large arthropods, and ground-dwelling birds. The snake is a bold ambush predator that does not tend to flee in the face of any threat. It prefers open and grassy lowland plains, scrub and bush forests, and dry rocky hillsides. It is not observed in dense forests; it also avoids humid environments such as rainforests and marshes
• Russell’s viper is a heavy and flattened-body snake with a short tail. The large triangular-shaped head of the snake with a raised blunt snout is distinct from its neck; the snake has fairly large-sized eyes and a “V’ or “X” marking on its head. Depending on the geographical region, the snake comes in a variety of colors. This may be orange, yellow-brown, brown, pink, or gray. Three rows of large brown spots may run along the body and sides of the snake; these dark-edged spots may fuse to form a chain-like pattern nearer to the head and neck region. The underbelly is usually light yellow/white with dark brown spots
• Russell’s viper is generally found close to highly populated geographical regions and on agricultural lands; and so, human contact is very commonly observed. Juveniles snakes are more irritable, while adults are generally sluggish; but are known to react violently if sufficiently provoked or even picked. The snake coils into itself (S-shaped loops), raising its upper body, and hiss loudly, before striking furiously. The strike force is so great that the snake may be bodily lifted off the ground. Russell’s Viper Snake Bites can cause severe envenomation (venom injection from a bite) resulting in deaths without early treatment; the rate of envenoming is over 80%. The snake can also bite and momentarily hold on to its victims
• The signs and symptoms of Russell’s Viper Snake Bite may include severe localized effects such as pain at the bite site, swelling, blistering, and swollen lymph glands. Systemic symptoms may include severe tissue damage and necrosis, droopy eyelids, mild flaccid paralysis, dizziness, shock, seizures, severe bleeding problems (including pituitary hemorrhage), and renal failure. The venom is a potent and rapid-acting mix of hemotoxins, myotoxins, and neurotoxins that can cause variable and non-specific symptoms
• 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, wound care, blood transfusion, and respiratory support, as needed. The prognosis of Russell’s Viper Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; but without suitable treatment, the lethality rate may be between 10-20%