Durban snake expert Nick Evans has reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm despite a national shortage of antivenom for snake, scorpion, and spider bites.
The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) announced this week that supplies have run out, with the exception of boomslang antivenom. The shortage is due to infrastructure upgrades at the country’s sole antivenom manufacturer, SA Vaccine Producers. No timeline has been given for the completion of renovations.
Evans, however, says the impact on Durban and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is minimal.
“We’re fortunate that in Durban and most of KZN, we don’t have scorpions with venom potent enough to require antivenom,” he explained. “Spider bites that necessitate antivenom are also extremely rare.”
While snakebites are more concerning, Evans stressed that they are not as frequent in Durban as in northern KZN, and fatalities remain uncommon.
“If someone is bitten by a snake, they should go straight to the hospital. Some hospitals still have antivenom stock, even if the manufacturer does not,” he said.
Evans also urged the public to avoid handling snakes, advising them to call a professional instead.