Nantou County lacks chain snake serum, and lawmakers call on the Health Bureau to secure it

Nantou County is rich in natural ecology, but chain snake serum is currently not distributed. (Photo provided by the Department of Disease Control and Prevention)

Nantou County is ecologically rich and receives an average of 2,500 to 3,000 snake catching reports every year. Regarding whether people have enough serum for first aid in case they are bitten by venomous snakes, county councilor Zhang Wanci pointed out during a parliamentary inquiry that there is currently no serum for the rare venomous snake "chain snake" in the county, and called on the health bureau to actively strive for the allocation to ensure the safety of people's lives.

Nantou County Health Director Chen Nansong responded to inquiries and said that currently the county's 6 responsible hospitals and 5 health clinics all stock common venomous snake serums such as turtle shell flower, cobra, red tail green bamboo silk and umbrella festival. However, because the number of patients bitten by chain snakes nationwide each year is very small, mostly in the single digits, the serum is currently classified as a rare drug controlled by the Prevention and Treatment of Rare Diseases and the Drug Act, and only Taichung Wing General Hospital has a distribution point in central China.

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Chen Nansong also called on the public to remember the "Four Don's" if they are unfortunately bitten by a snake. Do not panic, do not cut the wound, do not suck out the venom with your mouth to avoid infection, and do not apply ice to prevent tissue necrosis. They should stay calm and seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Remember the appearance of the snake as much as possible to facilitate the doctor's identification and administration of the corresponding serum.

Nantou County Fire Chief Hong Chaolun said that Nantou County receives an average of 2,500 to 3,000 reported cases of snake catching every year. This year, more than 2,000 cases have been reported. The county government has also compiled funds for outsourced snake and bee catching. Starting next year, the snake catching business will officially return to the county agriculture department.

Kikuchi's turtle is a common venomous snake in Taiwan. (Photo provided by Xinyi Public Works Section of Highway Bureau)

The Nantou County Fire Department receives 2,500 snake-catching reports every year. (Provided by Nantou County Fire Department)

Common venomous snake species in Taiwan. (Provided by CDC)