Danger in the South – Hospitals Admitted Patients After Bites

Southern Israel is facing a wave of venomous reptile attacks. Hospitals have recorded three severe cases: a six-year-old girl bitten in a kibbutz, a 48-year-old Eilat resident attacked by a snake on a horse farm, and a soldier bitten by a desert horned viper. Doctors link the surge in reptile activity to the heat.

Southern Israel is facing a troubling wave of dangerous incidents: local hospitals have recorded several severe cases of venomous reptile attacks on people. One incident occurred in a kibbutz, where a six-year-old girl was playing in a kindergarten yard and was bitten on the ankle. Due to the rapid deterioration of the child's condition, Israeli medics led by Dr. Gili Palnitzky Sofer performed emergency stabilization, then consulted toxicologist Professor Miguel Glattein and transferred the patient to Soroka Hospital. The second victim, a 48-year-old Eilat resident, was attacked by a snake on his own horse farm. The reptile was hiding in a feed bag and bit the man's finger. After examination by Dr. Salam Agbaria, the victim received the necessary antivenom at Biosepthal Clinic and was successfully discharged home. The third patient was a soldier who was attacked by a desert horned viper about two weeks ago while performing field duties. Dr. Omar Abu Salem promptly relayed information to relevant specialists, and Professor Glattein accurately identified the dangerous reptile. The soldier was given a special INOSERP antidote and was then urgently evacuated by helicopter to Soroka Hospital. Doctors emphasize that timely medical care literally saved the soldier's life. Head of the Emergency Department Dr. Daher Agbaria explains this trend as a seasonal factor. The hot weather prevailing in Eilat and the Arava region triggers a sharp increase in cold-blooded animal activity. In light of this, specialists strongly recommend following basic first aid rules for bites.