Snake Bites In Nigeria: Symptoms & First Aid

Snake bites in Nigeria can become life-threatening within hours, especially when venom affects breathing, blood clotting, or the nervous system. So, if a bite happens, the goal is simple: stay calm, limit movement, and get antivenom fast. That’s also why MyGoToVet is useful in emergencies; giving you an opportunity to speak to a vet immediately, get clear first-aid steps, and know whether you should rush to a major hospital right away. Because panic wastes time, MyGoToVet providers help you focus on what matters guide you on safe transport and what details to tell the hospital so treatment starts faster.

Snake Bites in Nigeria: Symptoms, First Aid and Antivenom

How Snake Bites Happen Commonly in Nigeria

Across Nigeria, bites often happen in predictable situations. For instance, farmers step into tall grass, kids run into bushy areas, or people reach into dark corners while cleaning. Meanwhile, during rainy season, snakes may enter compounds looking for dry shelter, which increases surprise encounters.

Real-life examples: A man in Makurdi was clearing weeds behind his house at dusk and felt a “pinch” on his ankle. Because he kept walking around in shock, swelling spread quickly. However, once his family calmed him down and rushed him to care, he stabilized. The second example hit close to home as it happened to a relative of mine who got bitten by a snake when she stretched her hands to pick something off the roof of her home. Luckily she was aware of what a snake bite looks like and got medical attention immediately.

How to Identify a Snake Bite Quickly

Even when you don’t see the snake, the bite site can give clues.

What the bite may look like

• Two puncture marks (sometimes one or several scratches)

• Pain and burning around the area

• Fast swelling or bruising

• Bleeding or oozing that doesn’t stop easily

Still, don’t depend on fang marks alone. Some bites look mild at first, yet symptoms can escalate later.

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Snake Bite Symptoms

Because snake venom acts differently depending on species, you should watch for patterns near the bite site and the general body. Snake bite symptoms can be divided into two:

1. Local symptoms near the bite site include:

• Rapid swelling that keeps expanding

• Severe pain, tightness, or blistering

• Skin colour changes (darkening or bruising)

• Numbness around the area

2. Systemic symptoms includes whole body warning signs, such as:

• Dizziness, fainting, or confusion

• Vomiting, sweating, or drooling

• Bleeding from gums or nose

• Trouble breathing or speaking

• Weakness, droopy eyelids, or blurred vision

A teenager in Kaduna developed droopy eyelids and slurred speech about an hour after a bite. Because the family assumed it was “fear,” they delayed. Later, breathing became hard. That’s why neuro symptoms should always trigger urgent action.

Finding Antivenom Fast in Nigeria

Snake bites in Nigeria require quick decisions because antivenom works best when given early. So, don’t waste hours moving between small clinics that don’t stock it. Instead, aim for a bigger facility, often a tertiary (teaching) hospitals, Federal medical centers or a well-equipped general hospital, while you call ahead if possible.

Tips that save time

• Go to the nearest major hospital first, not the closest chemist

• Ask directly: “Do you have antivenom and staff trained to administer it?”

• Take note of the bite time and symptom changes

• If safe, take a photo of the snake from a distance but never try to catch it

If you’re unsure where to start, MyGoToVet providers can help you triage and recommend the fastest route based on severity.

Read: How To Talk To Veterinarian Online In Nigeria With MyGotoVet

First Aid: What to Do Immediately After a Snake Bite

Because wrong first aid can worsen outcomes, focus on safe steps.

1) Keep the person still and calm: Venom spreads faster with movement, so sit or lie down and breathe slowly.

2) Remove tight items: Take off rings, anklets, or tight shoes early, because swelling can trap them later.

3) Immobilize the limb: Use a splint or cloth to keep the bitten arm/leg still. Keep it at heart level if you can.

4) Clean lightly, then leave it alone: Rinse with clean water if available, but do not scrub aggressively.

5) Get to a hospital quickly: Transport safely and avoid unnecessary stops. Also, contact help early through MyGoToVet, our professionals can guide you while you’re on the way.

What NOT to Do When Bitten by a Snake

These mistakes and common myth about treating snake bites waste time and can cause harm. Avoid doing the following when bitten by a snake:

• Don’t cut the wound or try to suck out venom

• Don’t apply a tight tourniquet (it can destroy tissue)

• Don’t burn the area or use battery shock

• Don’t give alcohol or unknown “herbal antidotes”

• Don’t try to trap or kill the snake

When to Seek Emergency Care Immediately

Go urgently if you notice:

• Increasing swelling past a joint (ankle to calf, wrist to forearm)

• Bleeding, vomiting, collapse, or confusion

• Any breathing difficulty or facial drooping

• Bite in a child, pregnant person, or older adult

Act Fast, Get Help, Save a Life

Snake bites in Nigeria can turn serious quickly, yet early action makes a huge difference. So, stay calm, limit movement, avoid dangerous myths, and head straight to a hospital that can administer antivenom. If you need immediate guidance or you’re unsure how severe it is, book an urgent virtual consult on MyGoToVet now; because faster decisions can save lives.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Snake Bites in Nigeria

1) What are the early snake bite symptoms in Nigeria?

Early symptoms include pain at the bite, swelling, burning, and sometimes numbness. Shortly after, you may notice dizziness, vomiting, sweating, or weakness. Because symptoms can evolve over 1–6 hours, monitor closely and go to a hospital quickly, even if the bite looks small. If eyelids droop, speech changes, or breathing becomes difficult, treat it as an emergency immediately.

2) How do I know if a snake bite is venomous?

A venomous bite often causes rapidly spreading swelling, severe pain, bruising, blistering, or systemic symptoms like vomiting, bleeding, fainting, or breathing difficulty. However, you can’t confirm venom by fang marks alone. Because delay is risky, assume it could be venomous and seek urgent medical care for assessment and possible antivenom.

3) Where can I find antivenom fast in Nigeria?

Antivenom is more likely at tertiary hospitals, teaching hospitals, and some well-equipped general hospitals. Smaller clinics and veterinary hospitals may not stock it. To save time, head to a major facility and call ahead if possible. If you need guidance on urgency and next steps, MyGoToVet experts can help you decide quickly and safely.

4) Should I use a tourniquet for a snake bite?

No, tight tourniquets can worsen tissue damage and increase the risk of amputation. Instead, immobilize the limb gently, remove tight items early, and reduce movement while you get to a hospital. Proper medical care and antivenom (when needed) are safer and more effective.

5) What should I do if I didn’t see the snake?

Treat it like a possible snake bite if symptoms fit: puncture marks, fast swelling, pain, or systemic signs. Note the time of bite, track symptom changes, and go to a major hospital quickly. If safe, take a photo of the area and share details with medical staff. MyGoToVet can help you triage symptoms and avoid harmful first-aid mistakes.