In a significant medical advancement, Assam has reported its first confirmed survival from a king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) bite, involving 35-year-old Babul Rabha, who received treatment from a coordinated medical and rescue network. Dr. Surajit Giri, a consultant anaesthesiologist, noted that such survival cases are extremely rare in India, as king cobra bites usually lead to fatal outcomes and are complicated by the lack of species-specific antivenom.
The bite incident occurred on December 16 in Nichinpur village, Kamrup district, when Rabha, while clearing bushes, inadvertently grasped the king cobra, resulting in a bite to his right palm. Initially unaware of the severity, he experienced mild swelling without pain, which delayed his medical report. However, symptoms progressed, prompting him to capture the snake and report the incident through a local network. Rabha was promptly transported to Bamunigaon Model Hospital, where he received 20 vials of polyvalent anti-snake venom. Observing no immediate systemic or neurotoxic symptoms, treatment continued. By 2 pm, snake rescuers verified the snake’s identity as a king cobra. Due to the absence of specific antivenom for such cases and the risks involved, he was urgently transferred to Gauhati Medical College (GMC).
Over 24 hours post-bite, Rabha’s condition remained stable, limited to local pain and swelling, without neurotoxicity or systemic complications. Dr. Giri suggested a possible low venom injection or dry bite, as the observed symptoms were less severe. The medical teams from both Bamunigaon Model Hospital and GMC worked closely, demonstrating the importance of timely communication and teamwork in handling such dangerous situations. Dr. Giri, who was attending a training program for doctors, emphasized that this case illustrates the efficacy of organized healthcare networks in saving lives from rare snakebite incidents.