Medical experts have cautioned snakebite victims against tying affected limbs with cloth or applying razor cuts, warning that such actions significantly reduce chances of survival.
The warning was issued by the Medical Director of the Snakebite Treatment and Research Hospital, Kaltungo, Gombe State, Dr Nicholas Amani-Hamman, during an interview on snakebite management.
Amani-Hamman spoke while reacting to reports surrounding the death of Nigerian aspiring singer, Ifunanya Nwangene, who allegedly died after a snakebite in Abuja.
Nwangene, aged 26, gained national attention following her appearance on The Voice Nigeria in 2021 and was known for blending jazz, opera, classical music and soul.
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According to the medical director, traditional first-aid practices commonly applied after snakebites are outdated and pose serious risks to victims.
He said, “Tying the place is an old idea so that the venom will not spread. It is not advisable because when you do that, the concentration of the venom will be where the bite occurred.”
Amani-Hamman explained that restricting blood flow could worsen tissue damage and lead to additional complications beyond the effects of the venom itself.
“When you tie the place, you end up blocking the blood supply to the limb, leading to other dangers,” he said.
He also warned against cutting the bite site with sharp objects, describing the practice as harmful and ineffective.
“You don’t tie the place. You don’t use a razor to cut it. The limb usage should be discontinued,” he added.
The physician stressed that first aid in snakebite cases should focus on immobilising the patient and avoiding activities that increase heart rate.
“Patients are advised not to cross a river because your heart rate increases and the venom will spread very fast,” Amani-Hamman said.
He explained that victims should be carried to a health facility rather than walking or engaging in strenuous movement.
According to him, prompt transportation to hospitals with access to anti-snake venom remains critical to survival.
“We advise that when someone is bitten and is unsure what it is, the person should come to the hospital so that we can confirm it,” he said.
Amani-Hamman stated that the Kaltungo facility receives snakebite patients from Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, adding that it is equipped to identify snakebite cases accurately.
He dismissed claims that intravenous fluids worsen snakebite conditions, saying, “Drip can’t worsen the condition; it doesn’t have adverse effects.”
The medical director disclosed that the hospital treats about 2,500 snakebite cases annually with a very low mortality rate.
“We see around 2,500 cases annually in Kaltungo, with a very minimal mortality rate,” he said.
He noted that deaths usually occur when patients present late or when antivenom is unavailable.
“In 2025, the mortality rate was 0.03,” Amani-Hamman disclosed.
He attributed reported reductions in snakebite cases partly to the unavailability of free antivenoms, forcing many victims to rely on traditional remedies.
“The current price of antivenom is N250,000 per vial, which patients cannot afford,” he said.
Also speaking, a member of the Toxinological Society of Nigeria, Dr Abe Musa, criticised the continued use of limb tying in snakebite cases.
“They are playing with their health. Venom can’t be stopped from circulating with a piece of cloth,” Musa said.
He added that early hospital presentation and adequate antivenom administration remain essential for effective snakebite treatment.
