The Medical Officer of the Zamko Health Centre, Langtang, in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Dr. Istifanus Bako yesterday said the centre has recorded about 1,500 cases of snake bites in the last 10 months.
The health centre is a rural outpost of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) situated in one of the most endemic areas of snake bites in Plateau State.
Dr. Bako said the large number of snakes in the area was due to the peculiar sandy terrain, stressing that the sand in the area served as an excellent habitat for snakes as it eases their movement.
The medical practitioner told journalists that most of the victims of snake bites in the area included youths who dip their hands into rat holes, as well as farmers and cattle herders, adding, “On the average, we record three to four cases daily and sometimes the daily figure could reach five to 10.”
