Weibo: @This is Sweden localSweden
With the arrival of hot summer, Sweden incidents of being bitten by poisonous snakes have occurred in many places. In Sweden, up to 400 people are treated in hospital each year for snake bites. Almost half of the cases are so severe that they must be treated with antidotes. The Swedish Poisons Information Center carries out risk assessments and provides advice in the event of acute poisoning by and .
In 2018, the Poison Information Center received a record 1,225 calls about venomous snake bites, compared to 838 calls in 2021. One explanation for the high number of calls could be that warm weather attracts snakes and humans alike.
Snake
Sweden
- If bitten by a venomous snake, it is important to call 112 immediately. Poisoning can generally become life-threatening quickly, so it is impossible to stay home and wait for symptoms to appear. The first few hours are the most critical. Peter Hultén of the Poisons Information Center says to keep exposed body parts still to reduce the risk of the poison spreading rapidly through the body.
All snakebites require observation in hospital, so any reaction can be treated quickly with an effective antidote. Thanks to antidotes, deaths from venomous snakes are very rare.
- In the early stages, you will typically experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, but more serious symptoms can occur, such as difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and a decrease in level of consciousness. Peter Hultén of the Poison Information Center says that without an antidote, the swelling can continue and include the entire part of the body that was bitten and specific areas of the torso.
If you are not sure if you have been bitten by a venomous snake, call 112 and ask for poison information for a risk assessment and advice. Two small inserts are usually seen at the site of the snake bite, and if the snake has injected venom, it will usually swell around the bite site.
This slightly venomous snake is a common European venomous snake and can also be found in Sweden. This is the one with the zigzag pattern on the back. They can grow up to 90 cm. If it bites you, don't worry, you won't die from it. At least, the risk is very low. About 200 Swedes are bitten by common venomous snakes every year. But the last fatal incident was recorded in 1994. But if you notice vampire-like bite marks on your skin after encountering this sneaky snake, you should definitely go to the hospital immediately.
Although less common, you can find them throughout Sweden, except in the mountainous areas of the northeast.
#
When someone is bitten by a snake:
Calm down the bitten person who may be scared and anxious;
Rest and keep the bitten body part still, preferably from a high position;
Leave the bite site completely quietly;
Call your doctor or Poison Information Center for advice;
Anyone bitten by a venomous snake should be admitted to hospital for observation;
If you are generally affected by the bite (such as drowsiness, fainting, vomiting or difficulty breathing), call 112 for help car.
#
Five facts and tips:
Small snakes are dangerous too;
Venomous snakes are protected;
Vipers can both swim and climb;
Never pick up a snake;
If you live where venomous snakes can be found , please wear suitable shoes (not sneakers) or boots that protect against snake bites.
Swedish Poison Information Center (Giftinformationscentralen)
In case of acute poisoning
Dial 112 - all day
For less urgent cases
Dial 010-456 6700 - 24/7
From abroad dial: +46 10 456 6700
Health care number: 010 -456 67 19
Other matters
General/preventive questions regarding acute poisoning: 010-456 6700 - weekdays 9-17h
Administrative matters : 010-456 6750 - weekdays 8am to 4pm 30
Other contacts Way
Address: Giftinformationscentralen Solna Strandväg 21 171 54 SOLNA
Fax: 08-327584
Email: Administrative matters: [email protected]
Technical questions about the website: [email protected]
Note: Questions related to this matter cannot be answered by email/fax/letter Poisoning problem.
