South African antivenom supply expected to improve soon
Antivenom shortages persist, but a WHO-approved alternative is now available in both in private and state hospitals in South Africa.
POLOKWANE – Warm weather and long grass create the perfect environment for snakes, many of which are venomous.
According to the African Snakebite Institute, there are over 170 species of snakes in South Africa, with several, such as the Black Mamba, Cape Cobra, and Puff Adder, posing life-threatening risks.
A recent incident highlighted the danger of snakebites when a reader’s Staffie was bitten by a Puff Adder.
The owner rushed between veterinarians to obtain the necessary antivenom, which cost nearly R700 per vial – and the dog required more than one.
Snakes such as the Black Mamba, Cape Cobra, Mozambique Spitting Cobra and Puff Adder, to mention a few, are highly venomous, and a bite from one of these could be life-threatening.
On the African Snakebite Institute’s social media pages, they say the only effective treatment for a serious snakebite is antivenom. According to the institute, only about one in 10 hospitalised snakebite victims need antivenom, depending on the severity of the bite.
Some bites, such as those from a Mozambique Spitting Cobra, may be “dry” or cause only mild symptoms like swelling. Serious bites, however, can have life-threatening consequences, and doctors treat symptoms rather than the venom itself.
For over a century, antivenom has been used to treat snakebites, but South Africa has faced shortages.
The South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP), which manufactures antivenom for various venomous species, has experienced production problems since Covid-19 and currently has no stock.
SAVP expects to have antivenom available by April after revamping their facilities.
In response, overseas companies have begun importing antivenoms, though these are not registered in South Africa and require additional paperwork.
Many of these imported products lack clinical data or WHO approval.
One exception is Pan African Premium, imported from India, which has WHO approval and is now available in private and state hospitals.
Though it can be more expensive, this antivenom provides a reliable option for snakebite treatment.
With Pan African Premium now available in hospitals, the antivenom shortage is no longer a major concern.
