Snakebite fatality in KZN highlights SA’s antivenom shortage

South Africa’s ongoing antivenom shortage has claimed another life.

The Witness reports Martha Siphiwe Masango (58), a lodge housekeeper in Pongola, KZN, died in November after being bitten by a Mozambican spitting cobra, known in isiZulu as mfezi.

Masango was bitten while stepping out of a shower and rushed to Bethesda Hospital in uBombo, where no antivenom was available.

Admitted at 20:00, Masango succumbed to the bite the following evening, a tragedy experts described as an ‘avoidable shortage’.

Snake rescuers noted that fatalities from Mozambican spitting cobra bites are rare and usually linked to kidney failure or secondary infections.

The shortage

Snake handlers and experts have blamed the shortage on poor planning and mismanagement.

“It seems like just plain old incompetence,” said snake rescuer Jason Arnold. “It’s not like snake season just pops up on us.”

Johan Marais of the African Snakebite Institute emphasised that antivenom is the only effective treatment for severe envenomation but is only administered in hospitals due to the risk of anaphylactic shock.

The South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP), a division of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), is responsible for manufacturing antivenom in the country. They produce monovalent boomslang antivenom, rarely used, and polyvalent antivenom, which treats bites from multiple venomous species, including cobras and mambas.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, SAVP’s production has faced repeated disruptions.

“The situation is dire,” said Marais. “SAVP has no stock, and nothing is being produced. They’ve even halted supplies from venom-milking farms, citing sufficient venom stock.”

Arnold criticised SAVP’s outdated facilities, noting frequent breakdowns and delays.

“Their equipment hasn’t been upgraded in decades. Every summer, the same shortage arises. Surely, they should prepare months in advance for the surge in snake activity.”

Veterinarians have also reported an increase in dog fatalities from snakebites due to the shortage.

Snakebites peak

Snakebites typically peak between November and April, especially on hot, rainy evenings.

According to Marais, approximately 4 000 people are bitten annually in South Africa. The Mozambican spitting cobra, common in regions including KZN and Limpopo, often enters homes at night while hunting.

These snakes frequently bite sleeping individuals, usually on the face, chest, arms, or hands. Their venom is potently cytotoxic, causing severe damage even though fatal bites are rare.

SAVP acknowledged delays in antivenom production, citing facility upgrades aimed at addressing ageing equipment and infrastructure issues.

The NHLS has launched a renovation project to improve SAVP’s production efficiency and prevent future shortages.