Increase in snake bites in Nigeria affected by floods

There has been an increase in snake bites in Nigeria, due to serious floods faced by many parts of the country, said Dr Nasir Sani Gwarzo of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

According to Mr Gwarzo, snakes are jostling with humans for shelter in most cities experiencing floods.

“After the increase in snake bites, what will follow is the outbreak of epidemics, such as cholera, typhoid fever and many other diseases,” Dr Gwarzo told the BBC.

He said the ministry had urged health facilities to stock sufficient antivenoms due to the increase in snake bites.

Nigeria is affected by floods in more than a decade causing the death of many and the displacement of more than a million people.