5-Year-Old Girl Dies After Being Bitten by Venomous Snake in Tunisia
Incident Occurs in Mountainous Region of Sbiba, Kasserine Governorate
A 5-year-old girl has tragically passed away after being bitten by a venomous snake while playing outside her home in a mountainous area of Sbiba, Kasserine Governorate, according to a local council member.
According to Mohamed El Hadi Abbassi, the child's mother discovered her lifeless body at the scene of the incident, which occurred last Tuesday.
The local official, speaking on Jawhara FM, confirmed that the snake involved in the incident was killed afterwards.
Snake expert Bachir El Bejaoui identified the snake as a "Mauritanian snake," a species considered one of the most widespread and dangerous in Tunisia.
El Bejaoui warned of the need for vigilance, advising people to avoid isolated areas, abandoned lands, and the outskirts of wadis (seasonal streams), where these reptiles are frequently found. He also emphasized that they can be present in inhabited areas.
In the event of a snake bite, El Bejaoui stressed the importance of the following precautions:
- Remain still and avoid movement
- Do not incise or compress the wound
- Seek immediate medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility
- Be cautious of traditional practices that may exacerbate the victim's condition
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of snake safety awareness and the need for prompt medical attention in the event of a snake bite.
