A woman has died following a snakebite in Tetulia upazila of Panchagarh district. The deceased, Saleka Begum (45), passed away on Thursday (14 May) at midday while undergoing treatment at Panchagarh Modern Sadar Hospital.
Saleka Begum was the wife of Atiar Rahman and resided in Dargipara village under Tetulia upazila.
According to information provided by the family, the incident occurred on Thursday morning when she went to tie cattle near their own chilli field adjacent to the house. At that time, a snake bit her on the toes of her left foot. Following the incident, family members immediately took her to Tetulia Upazila Health Complex for initial medical treatment.
As her condition deteriorated, she was transferred from the upazila health facility to Panchagarh Modern Sadar Hospital for further care. After admission to the hospital, she was administered antivenom. However, she died shortly afterwards. The type of snake responsible for the bite could not be identified.
Medical officer Dr Omar Faruk of the emergency department at Panchagarh Modern Sadar Hospital stated that the patient arrived in a critical condition. He noted that although her pulse was present upon arrival, her blood pressure was not measurable. Despite the provision of necessary treatment, including antivenom, she could not be saved.
Snakebite incidents remain a significant medical emergency in rural areas, particularly in agricultural settings where people frequently work in fields and near vegetation. In such environments, both venomous and non-venomous snakes may be encountered. Rapid transfer to medical facilities and timely administration of antivenom are widely recognised as essential elements of treatment, although outcomes depend on multiple clinical factors, including the severity of envenomation and the time elapsed before treatment.
Summary of the Incident
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of deceased | Saleka Begum (45) |
| Husband | Atiar Rahman |
| Residence | Dargipara, Tetulia, Panchagarh |
| Incident location | Adjacent chilli field near residence |
| Time of bite | Thursday morning (14 May) |
| Bite location on body | Toes of left foot |
| First medical facility | Tetulia Upazila Health Complex |
| Referral hospital | Panchagarh Modern Sadar Hospital |
| Treatment given | Antivenom and emergency medical care |
| Time of death | Thursday (14 May), midday |
| Identification of snake | Not determined |
The case highlights the medical urgency associated with snakebite incidents in rural agricultural communities, where immediate access to advanced emergency treatment can be critical. Despite prompt referral and hospital-based intervention, the patient’s condition remained severe from the time of admission, according to attending medical staff.
