Lately, there has been a stir in the country with Russell's viper. Discussions related to the animal are going on from social media to our national parliament.

The snake scare that has gone viral on social media has also spread everywhere. This is a venomous snake of the species Daboia russelii. It is a terrestrial reptile that belongs to the Viperidae family. The habitat of this snake is related to its food source. That is why, where their food is abundant, there are more snakes found. The diet of Russell's viper is mainly rodents, small birds, chameleons or lizards, frogs, and insects. Considering that, the presence of this snake should be much more in the land of grains, especially wheat, maize, and paddy fields.

A report has shown that 70%-80% of grains are damaged by rodents. So, one can understand that the presence of mice is a big reason to bring this snake to the crop fields. As a measure of ecological balance, the abundance of this snake is important in the environment. The presence of this snake is normal in different districts, including Jashore, Rajshahi, and Manikganj.

Although there is nothing to fear, there is no alternative to awareness. A study conducted by Discovery Wildlife found that the world's most dangerous deadly animal is not a snake-like creature, a giant blue whale, a ferocious lion, or a Royal Bengal Tiger. The most dreaded killer is the mosquito, a tiny insect that carries deadly germs to kill humans.

Based on the number of human deaths due to snakebite, this animal is the third most endangered animal. Research has shown that 1,38,000 people die from snakebite every year. And 7,25,000 people die every year from mosquito bites.

A survey in Bangladesh showed that from 2013 to 7 June 2024, some 235 patients were admitted to Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital due to bites of Russell's viper and 69 (29.36%) died. Another survey shows that 7,500 people die from snakebite every year in Bangladesh, and 100 of them, or 1.33% die from bites of Russell's viper. However, we do not want even a single death in this way.

Again, in terms of horror, rumours can never be listened to. It is desirable that social media should serve accurate, informative, and reliable news to people.

There is a close relationship between biotic i.e. living organisms and abiotic or non-living materials in maintaining the balance of the environment. The creator has provided this balance considering all the factors. Various research reports have shown that changes in any one element can lead to massive changes in ecosystems. A lot of damage is done to the environment. The human race is affected by the same continuity.

Now let's talk about how the balance of nature is preserved in the presence of Russell's viper and how much profit or loss is caused to humans. The main food grain of our country is paddy along with wheat and maize. As I said earlier, every year 70%-80% of this cereal is damaged by rats. In the attack of rats, the grains are infected by many pathogens, which are transported to the human body and spread many diseases. Russell's viper acts as a predator of these rodents and thus plays a vital role in our enormous financial savings.

In addition to maintaining the ecological balance by suppressing rodents, it also contributes to public health by preventing rodent-borne diseases. This innocent (scary-looking) snake lives in rat holes and is forced to bite humans out of fear of humans. Due to the colour of its skin, if people carelessly get too close to the snake, it bites people. Since this reptile is more common in bushes and fields than in houses, farmers must be careful in carrying out their daily activities. Along with taking their own protection, one must act cautiously by creating a stir with a stick where possible, i.e. by hitting a stick on a bush or a pile of crops. If necessary, wear gumboots and pants during work in the field. Again, since this snake is fond of mice, farmers should be very careful in storing food grains. It is better not to use the house where food grains are stored. At the same time, one should beware of rat holes in stored food grains.

With its excellent swimming capability, this snake can take shelter from one district to another through water. For that reason, there is a need for awareness among the people living along the river basin. If we can create a clear and transparent idea and issue warnings about this snake in all the institutions of society, we will be safe from rumours and live a peaceful life. For example, schools, colleges, mosques, temples, and other places of worship should be properly explained regarding the issue. As the snake’s bite does not cause immediate death, the victim should be taken to the nearest health complex immediately after providing protection. It is necessary to ensure that training is performed and the necessary antivenom is administered after a Russell's viper bite.

At the same time, this problem can be solved very easily with the involvement of commoners and through coordination among the ministries of agriculture, health, home, and environment, forest and climate change.

Now the monsoon season is going on. The breeding grounds for the most dangerous deadly insect, the mosquito, are increasing. Along with the Russell's viper, vigilance is essential to avoid the dreaded insect mosquito.

The writer is the Head of the Department of Entomology at the National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM).