FCTA warns against preventable snakebite deaths

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned against preventable snakebite-related deaths following the passing of Ms Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, who died after developing neurotoxic complications from a snakebite, describing the incident as a tragic loss that underscores gaps in prevention and emergency response.

The warning was contained in a statement by the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasewe, who expressed condolences to the bereaved family and said the death of a young and promising Nigerian was deeply painful.

She stressed that snakebite fatalities, many of which are medically preventable, must be treated as a public health priority to avoid future occurrences.

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According to the FCTA, snakebites remain a largely preventable emergency in Nigeria, where highly venomous species such as cobras, vipers and puff adders are common.

Snakes are frequently found in rainforests, grasslands, farms and near residential areas in search of food or shelter, increasing the likelihood of human contact. The Secretariat advised that all snakebites should be treated as venomous until proven otherwise.

Residents of the FCT were urged to adopt preventive measures, including wearing protective clothing while farming or moving through tall grass, avoiding dark areas or using flashlights at night, clearing debris around homes, sealing potential entry points and refraining from handling snakes.

In the event of a bite, the administration advised victims to remain calm, immobilise the affected limb below heart level, remove constrictive items, gently clean the wound and proceed immediately to a hospital with antivenom. It cautioned against harmful practices such as cutting or sucking the wound, applying tourniquets, ice or herbal remedies.

Reassuring residents on preparedness, the FCTA said different forms of anti-snake venom are widely available in FCTA-owned hospitals and public health facilities. Stocking decisions, it explained, are guided by collaboration with veterinary doctors who help identify the most common snake species in the territory.

Both polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms are centrally stored at the Abuja Central Medical Stores and managed by the Secretariat to ensure quality, cold-chain integrity and availability.

The Secretariat noted that while antivenom is most effective when administered early, it does not always guarantee recovery, particularly where neurotoxic symptoms have already manifested, highlighting the need for rapid evacuation and timely care.

To improve emergency response, the FCTA said it has strengthened secondary prevention through expanded road networks and the recent deployment of 12 ambulances equipped to handle emergencies.

Public hospitals, it added, provide antivenom administration, proper immobilisation without tourniquets, monitoring for adverse reactions and supportive care, while tertiary services such as intensive care, airway management, coagulation monitoring and blood transfusion are available across FCT hospitals.

The Mandate Secretary reiterated that all public and private healthcare facilities must strictly adhere to approved clinical protocols, warning that monitoring and enforcement would be intensified and that facilities found negligent would face sanctions.

Residents were advised to contact the FCT Emergency Medical System and Ambulance Services on 090157892931 or 090157892932 in the event of an emergency.

The FCTA reaffirmed its resolve to strengthen emergency health systems, enforce quality healthcare standards and protect the lives of all residents of the Federal Capital Territory.