Deadly Reminder: Always Check Your Shoes

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 A heartbreaking incident in Bengaluru, India, shows how a simple habit could mean the difference between life and death.

Manju Prakash, a software engineer, tragically died after being bitten by a Russell’s viper hiding inside his slipper. Due to an old leg injury, he had lost sensation in one foot, so he never realized he had been bitten. By the time symptoms appeared, it was already too late.

This tragedy highlights an important but often overlooked truth:
👉 Snakes, especially in regions close to greenery, can enter homes and hide in ordinary items like slippers, shoes, blankets, or storage boxes.
👉 Venomous bites, particularly from species such as Russell’s viper, can act quickly — causing unconsciousness, seizures, or even death within a short time.
👉 Victims may not always feel the bite immediately, especially if there are existing health issues.


🔎 Key Safety Reminders:

  • Always shake out shoes and slippers before wearing them.

  • Keep your living space clean and minimize dark, cluttered corners where snakes may hide.

  • If you live near fields, gardens, or wooded areas, be extra cautious, especially during warm seasons when snakes are more active.

  • Learn to recognize the early signs of snakebite (sweating, dizziness, foaming at the mouth, sudden weakness).

  • In case of a suspected bite, seek emergency medical help immediately — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

This is not just an isolated incident. Across many countries in Asia and beyond, snake encounters in urban areas are becoming increasingly common due to habitat overlap.

👉 So before you slip into your sandals or lie down on your bed, take a moment to check. That quick glance could save your life.

Stay safe, stay alert. 🐍


Indiaana

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