Warning for those traveling to Bosnia: Beware of snakes, there is shortage of antivenoms

The common viper; Photo: Wikimedia/Benny Trapp

If you decide to visit BiH, beware of snakes, because there are currently no antivenoms in that country. Namely, the Institute for Emergency Medical Assistance of the Sarajevo Canton has issued a warning to those setting out on outdoor adventures to be careful, because currently serums used to treat bites of poisonous snakes are not available.

Recommended

Namely, as stated by the emergency service, in the last few weeks, several bites of poisonous snakes have been reported in Sarajevo itself, writes Klix.

"In that case, administration of the serum - an antivenom - is indicated. This would be nothing special or unusual for this time of year, however, that serum is currently not available anywhere in BiH," said Dr. Rusmir Baljic, head of the Infectious Diseases Clinic.

It was also stressed that Bosnian authorities tried to procure antivenoms in neighboring countries, however, unsuccessfully.

"If it is found, unfortunately, the expiration date was June 1, 2021. That is why all of you who like to hike or just walk in nature - be careful," said Baljic.

There are 14 species of snakes in BiH, of which only three are venomous (the common viper, the horned viper, and the very rare Balkan cross adder), while the remaining 11 are not poisonous and are harmless.

All three species of venomous snakes that live in BiH can be recognized by the characteristic zigzag pattern on the back, have triangular-shaped heads before which the body clearly narrows, and short stocky bodies that very rarely exceed 60 centimeters in length.

As far as their color goes, the common European adder can also be completely black or have a series of crossbars.

Horned viper

The horned viper's venom is strong and this is the only species in BiH whose bite can be life-threatening. People bitten by this snake have died in the past, but these days fatalities are rare, while complete recovery can be expected after seven days of hospital treatment.

Common viper

The poison has a strong effect, but the bite is not as dangerous as that of the horned viper. In humans, the bite causes pain, swelling, destruction of the surrounding tissue, and in later stages, nausea and vomiting may occur. The bite is not life-threatening for healthy adults, but medical help is still recommended.

Balkan cross adder

This is the smallest poisonous snake in Europe. It feeds mainly on locusts. Males are light brown or gray, while females are yellowish. There is almost always a clear brown or dark gray zigzag pattern down the middle of the back. The Balkan cross adder's venom is very weak and is often compared to a bee sting.

(Telegraf.rs)