Lebak Residents Threatened By Snake Bite Frenzy

Lebak (Antara Bali) - The rainy season and the clearing of forests is presumed to be the cause for snake bite cases that reportedly have been increasing recently and threatening local residents.

According to the head of the local community health centers (Puskesmas), H Edy Sunaedi, there are at least 12 snake bites cases that were reported in February 2012, he said here Friday.

"One of them was referred to Pelabuhanratu general hospital, Sukabumi, due to the victim¿s critical condition," Edy said.

To avoid more snake bites, the public has been advised to raise their vigilance during this rainy seasons, because snakes commonly are drawn out of their nesting holes by sunshine and to seek food, he said.

Most of the snake bite victims have been farmers who were working on their "Huma" ,the field used for dry rice cultivation.(IGT)