July 20, 2023 - When a regional hospital outside of Haifa could not make a diagnosis, seven-year-old David* was recently evacuated to Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel, for emergency treatment that saved his life.
One morning last week, David woke early with severe pain in one of his legs. His mother recalls the events, “All day, David was crying from pain, but there was no apparent cause. His left thumb was blue, and he could not use that hand. We thought he might have sprained his wrist.”
His concerned parents took him to a hospital close to their home north of Haifa, where, after examination, the attending physician suspected an allergic reaction to a sting. After receiving medical attention, David was discharged. However, as the day progressed, his symptoms worsened, and his hand was extremely swollen. His mother continues, “David was sleepy all the time. We were worried and went back to the hospital, and by the time we arrived, he was vomiting.” Unable to make a firm diagnosis, the attending physician called for David’s immediate evacuation to Rambam—a hospital more equipped to handle this case.
At Rambam, David was admitted to the Cheryl Spencer Pediatric Emergency Department at the Ruth Rappaport Children’s Hospital. Dr. Idit Pasternak, director of the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Department, who examined the boy, could not see any visible signs of injury, but his symptoms; redness and swelling of the hand, severe pain, and bleeding, all pointed toward a snake bite. Dr. Pasternak explains, “I suspected a snake bite, but there were no visible signs—we always look for puncture marks. I contacted Dr. Yael Luria, director of the Israel Poison Information Center (IPIC) at Rambam, expressing my concerns. Dr. Luria and Dr. Alfred Cahana, an attending physician at the IPIC arrived to examine the boy. David’s life was clearly in danger, and although there was no conclusive evidence, we agreed that it was probably a snake bite. David was hospitalized, received antivenom [used to neutralize snake bite toxins], and was kept overnight for observation.”
In the meantime, a professional snake handler was called in to search the family home—he discovered a snake in the bedroom closet and concluded that it had entered the house through a drain.
David’s grateful mother recalls, “My children and I had been in and out of the bedroom several times that morning, and we opened the closet many times. The children share a room, and thankfully, none of my other children were harmed by the snake. David’s recovery is a miracle! Parents must always listen and pay attention to their children; they know what they need.”
The next day, after being successfully treated at Rambam, David was well-recovered and discharged.
Dr. Luria points out, “Not all snakes are poisonous, but there are several venomous species in Israel—like the Daboia palaestinae viper. Snake bites can occur anywhere: family outings, playgrounds, and even in the home. Prevention is better than cure.”
The IPIC reported 35 snake bite incidents between January and July. In the spring and summer months, when temperatures rise, there is an increased incidence. The public is advised to be alert and check and eliminate possible hiding places in the home.
SAFETY TIPS
-
Ensure that all areas of the home are clean and the garden is free of weeds, thorns, piles of refuse, or other possible hiding places
-
Many snake species are nocturnal so take necessary precautions during the evening or at night: Wear closed shoes; use a flashlight in dark areas or walk in well-lit areas
-
If you see a snake in a residential area, keep a safe distance from it and call a qualified snake handler
-
If sleeping outdoors, stay away from stony areas and dense bushes
-
Store clothing high above the ground
-
Check possible hiding places: sleeping bags, clothing, shoes, and equipment
IN THE EVENT OF A SNAKE BITE
-
Israel emergency numbers
o Magen David Adom – 101
o The National Center for Poison Information at Rambam: 04-777-1900
-
Remove any jewelry (rings, bracelets, watches) or anything that might constrict the affected area
-
Do not attempt to extract the venom
-
Remain calm until help arrives
*Name changed to protect his identity
