Ezulwini – Residents gathered at the Ezulwini Farmers Market on Saturday 8 November 2025 for a public sensitisation led by the Eswatini Antivenom Foundation, preparing communities for increased snake activity with the arrival of the summer season. The Foundation aimed to educate on coexistence with snakes, first aid, venom types, and hospital procedures in case of bites.
Foundation volunteers explained that most snakes in Eswatini are not aggressive and pose minimal risk if left undisturbed. They compared the situation with Australia, which has 64 snake species, seven of which are highly venomous and six moderately dangerous, noting that the majority of snakes elsewhere, as well as locally, are harmless if handled appropriately.
The team discussed key species in Eswatini, including the vine snake, boomslang, Mozambique spitting cobra, snouted cobra, and black mamba. They noted that the vine snake is rarely a threat, relying on camouflage and escape rather than aggression, and that no bites from this species have ever been recorded locally. Boomslang bites are also extremely rare, contributing only 0.1 percent of recorded cases, with the last reported incident occurring in 2024.
Volunteers outlined three main venom types affecting humans: hemotoxic, cytotoxic, and neurotoxic. Hemotoxic venom, found in species like the boomslang, causes bleeding from bite marks, gums, bruises, or private areas, weakens the blood, and prevents clotting. Symptoms can appear between eight and forty eight hours after a bite, requiring victims to be monitored in hospital for up to two days. The boomslang’s juvenile snakes have brown, white, and yellow coloration, changing to cream in males and brown in females as they mature. These snakes have rear fangs that inject venom through a chewing motion.
Cytotoxic venom, also known as the painful progressive syndrome, destroys tissue and causes intense swelling and excruciating pain. Volunteers stressed that victims should avoid tying or cutting the affected area, and not allow hospital staff to probe swollen tissue. Swelling can triple the size of the limb, with recovery taking days to weeks. Improper first aid could result in loss of limbs.
Neurotoxic venom, present in black mambas and snouted cobras, affects the nervous system. Black mamba bites cause metallic taste, nausea, sneezing, coughing, and goosebumps within minutes. Snouted cobras may delay symptoms for up to ten hours, making rapid transport to medical care essential. Victims were advised to lie on their side to prevent choking if vomiting occurs, remove restrictive clothing, and remain calm.
The Foundation outlined first aid protocols. Hemotoxic bites require pressure bandages and immobilisation with a splint. Neurotoxic bites need a tonic bandage applied high on the limb, sometimes supplemented with a second bandage to slow venom spread. Cytotoxic bites should not be tied or cut; victims must proceed to hospital immediately. Volunteers also discouraged home remedies such as sucking venom or applying milk or corrosive chemicals, warning that these can worsen the injury.
Volunteers explained that rural victims often travel long distances to reach medical help. The Foundation coordinates with emergency services to meet victims halfway when roads are inaccessible, ensuring oxygen and antivenom are delivered promptly. They also provide 24-hour support through emergency contact numbers.
Household first aid kits should include a pressure bandage, triangular bandage, splint, tourniquet substitute, clean water, and an eye irrigator. Eye exposure to venom from spitting cobras should be rinsed with running water for 15 to 20 minutes, followed by eye drops and painkillers.
The Foundation reported that Eswatini experiences between 500 and 700 snake bites annually. The 2024–2025 season ended with no fatalities, while previous seasons recorded two to three deaths, which occurred due to complications in hospital rather than lack of antivenom. Volunteers stressed the importance of recognising symptoms to identify venom type, staying calm, and accessing medical care immediately.
Trainers urged the public not to attempt killing snakes, noting that identification helps in treatment but is secondary to immediate first aid and hospital care.
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