Rumour over Russell Viper spreads panic in Jashore

People of Jashore are in fear over poisonous snake Russell Viper as there is a lot of discussion on social media about the deadly snake.

Locals claimed that a child had died after being bitten by a Russell viper at Naoapara union under Avaynagar upazila in Jashore.

But the district Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) officials has termed it a rumour. They asked the people not to panic about Russell Viper.

Sources said the photo that went viral on Facebook is of a child who died two years ago at Pekua in Cox's Bazar. Rumors are being spread using that photo, creating uproar on social media. Sources have confirmed that no one has been bitten by the Russell viper in Jashore so far.

A news published in a daily newspaper on October 13, 2022, reported that a child Sadek Md Zihan (4) died after being bitten by a snake at Nandirpara village under Sadar union of Pekua upazila in Cox's Bazar.

Many Facebook users have now posted using Zihan's photo, claiming that the child died of Russell Viper bite in Jashore's Naoapara, creating a kind of panic among the people.

Jashore Deputy Civil Surgeon Nazmus Sadiq said rumors are being spread about the death of a child due to snake bite in Jessore. So far, there is no information about the existence of Russell Viper snakes in this district and no one has been bitten.

He said, “Due to the fear among people about this, the district DGHS is on alert. Antivenom has been supplied to eight upazila health complexes and General Hospital in the district town. Later, various steps including publicity will be taken as per the instructions of the Health Directorate.”