Alappuzha Woman Dies After Snakebite Family Alleges Delay in Treatment

Alappuzha- A 42-year-old woman died in Alappuzha after a suspected snakebite, with her family alleging delay in medical treatment at a local hospital.

The deceased, identified as Salina from Kayamkulam, was reportedly bitten while returning from a function on Thursday evening. According to relatives, she reached a nearby hospital shortly after the incident and informed doctors that she had been bitten, though the exact source was unclear.

Family members claimed that despite her condition, anti-venom was not administered immediately and she was kept under observation. They alleged that she later collapsed and could not be revived, raising concerns about possible lapses in treatment.

However, hospital authorities have denied the allegations. A medical officer stated that the patient did not display clear symptoms typically associated with a snakebite envenomation, adding that her vital signs were initially stable. Doctors also said the injury did not resemble a confirmed snakebite and that further tests had been advised.

Officials added that the patient’s attendants were informed about additional treatment options, but events unfolded rapidly when she collapsed later in the evening.

Following the incident, Kerala Police registered a case of unnatural death and launched an investigation to determine the exact cause and sequence of events.

The case has drawn attention amid a recent rise in snakebite-related deaths in the state, with experts cautioning that increased temperatures often lead to more human-snake encounters.

Authorities said a detailed probe is underway, and further clarity is expected after medical reports are reviewed.