Snakes, snakes, snakes!

Snakebites are something that we see fairly frequently. They typically occur in the jungle regions or by farm hands trying to clear brush or cut sugar cane. If they're in the jungle they are often flown in by plane or helicopter. Most snakebite victims are either bitten on the hand/wrist (Oro Palito snake) or the ankle/leg (lancehead or 'X'). This picture is of a small Bothrops or lanchead. In Ecuador, it is called the 'Equis' which is 'X' in Spanish as the coloring often looks like X's painted on its body. It accounts for about 50-60% of the bites in this region. It is the most aggressive venomous snake in the Americas. Fortunately, it typically delivers a sub-lethal dose of venom but still accounts for a large number of deaths and illness. Its venom causes local tissue death and causes hemorrhaging throughout the body. This particular snake, although very small, kept this lady in the hospital for 3 days. She was cutting sugar when the snake bit her hand.

The second most common snake bite we treat here is caused by the 'Oro Palito'. It is a small green tree snake that often bites its victims as they reach up into tree branches or cut down bananas. Its venom is not as potent as that caused by the Equis and is delivered in smaller amounts. The least common bite is caused by the Bushmaster (Lachesis muta). It is the least common snakebite because it is usually found much deeper in the jungle, and most when bitten just don't make it to a place to get help. It is the largest venomous snake in the Americas and can reach 12 ft in length! It often delivers a lethal dose of venom and more than half of victims die even if given proper antivenin.

Antivenin has been scarce in this region and the last batch that we had was actually purchased by a missionary who flew to Brazil to get it. Antivenin is now being produced in Ecuador but its quality is still in question. Please pray that we may find what we need and within the time frame needed. Please also pray for His protection over His workers here.