LIMPOPO – A teenager is currently under medical care at the MediClinic in Lephalale after being bitten by a Mozambique Spitting Cobra.

According to a Facebook post by the girl’s mother, Susanna Dorothea Nel, when Diane woke up from the bite and she went to wake her friend up and said she thought there was a snake in her bed that had bitten her. When her friend had gone to check, the snake spat at him.

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The African Snakebite Institute says the snake is active on overcast days, but more active at night, often ending up in houses where people are bitten while asleep. Its venom is potently cytotoxic causing pain, swelling, blisters and in many cases severe tissue damage. Antivenom is effective but needs to be administered sooner rather than later to prevent tissue damage.

Anthea was immediately taken to hospital but Susanna says the state hospital did not have anti-venom and she then took her to MediClinic. She was given eight vials of anti venom and was then transferred back to the state hospital. “At present, the swelling on her arm is very severe and the swelling is up to her neck and her neck is also stiff. Dr. Willie Barnard is willing to operate on the arm in Midi Clinic,” Susanna explained.

The family are still in need of R18 950 as they already have R26 050.

“Firstly we want to say many thanks for the donations received so far and we are standing on R1 050 at the moment. Diane is not feeling well at all and we are eagerly waiting to get her in a private hospital to receive the right treatment. If there are people out there who can help us, we urgently need funds, please,” she said.

Should you wish to donate, the details are as follows:

Child Medi Organization
FNB, Cheque
Acc no: 626 325 810 56
Branch Code: 250655
Swift code: firnzajj
Ref: Diane
info@childmedi.org
Section 18(A) Tax Certificates available to companies and individuals.

raeesak@nmgroup.co.za