Poisonous snakes of Kenya

1. Gaboon Viper

Kakamega and Nandi forest.

2. Puffadder Cobra

Widely distributed, almost the whole of Kenya. Very frequent non far from Chaaria

3. Carpet Viper

Northern Kenya: Samburu, Garissa, Maralal, Nyambene and Eastern Turkana

4. Egyptian Cobra

Sporadically Distributed across the country in various districts: Kajiado, Machakos, Nairobi, Naivasha, Thika, Isiolo, Samburu, Bungoma and Elgon.

5. Forest Cobra

Mt. Elgon, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia Eldoret Kakagemga, Kericho, Elgeyo, Mau, Nakuru, Menengai, Rongai, Mt Kenya, Galana and Arabuko Sokoke Forest.

6. Black-necked Cobra

Widespread but rare in areas above 1200mtrs except in Nairobi, Thika and Athi area. Other districts where it occurs include Machakos, Kajiado, Kilifi, Meru, Naivasha, Nyanza, Isiolo etc.

7. Black Mamba

Widespread in low woodland and scrub. Along the coasts, Malindi, Kilifi, Mombasa, Voi, Tsavo, Amboselo, Kajiado, Kutus, Tharaka, Meru, Samburu, Maralal, Baringo, Kerio, Bungoma, Kitui, Makindu, Mara, Mwingi, Nandi Hills.

8. Green Mamba

Coastal plain, Meru, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi, Mombasa, Mtwapa, Shimba Hills, Shimoni and Watamu, Tana River, Nyambene and Kibwezi forest.

9. Jameson’s Mamba

Kakamega Forest area.

SIGNS OF ENVENOMATION

Time elapsed after the bite

Snake	½ Hour	½ to a Hour	+ than a Hour
Vipers and adders	·      Severe radiating pain ·      Local Oedema	·      Persistent Pain ·      Spreading Oedema	·      Gastro-intestinal disorders ·      Necrosis, infection, gangrene ·      Haemorrhage, DIC
Cobras and Mambas	·      Moderate Diffuse pain ·      Numbness	·      Intense asthenia ·      Palpebral ptosis ·      Neuro-Muscular disorders	·      Paralysis ·      Asphyxia ·      Collapse

FIRST AID

- Keep the patient calm and at complete rest.

- If possible carefully clean the wound with antiseptic or soap.

- Immobilize the bitten limb with a sling or a splint.

- If bitten on the limb apply a firm (but not tight) roller bandage over the whole limb. Start at the root of the limb to the end of the limb.

- If spat in the eye immediately wash the eye with plenty of water.

- If Patient is in pain, give a mild pain killer, like paracetemol

- Transfer patient to the nearest hospital.

N.B: Constantly observe the patient. If breathing stops, start resuscitation at once.

Bro Beppe

NB: for hospital management of snake bites refer to the blog, looking for the post MORSI DI SERPENTE