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Running After Snakebite Can Kill – Clinician Calls For Overhaul Of Public Health Information Space.
A medical expert has blamed widespread health misinformation for the public misunderstanding surrounding the death of young Nigerian singer, Ifunanya Nwangene, who died from a snakebite, stressing that Nigeria urgently needs improved public health education.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking on the incident, clinician Dr. Stella Kokondo Essien explained that proper first aid after a snakebite is crucial and should focus on immobilising the affected limb and transporting the victim to a hospital immediately, rather than relying on unsafe traditional methods.
She cautioned against the common practice of tightly tying cloths or tourniquets around the bitten limb, noting that it does not stop venom from spreading and can worsen injuries.
“The priority is to keep the affected limb still and avoid excessive movement. Do not apply a tourniquet. The patient should be stabilised and rushed to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible,” she said.
According to her, cutting off blood flow to a limb can cause severe damage and even lead to limb loss, adding that simple splinting to restrict movement would be far safer.
Dr. Essien also addressed public backlash over the medical care the singer received, particularly claims that intravenous (IV) fluids hastened the spread of venom. She dismissed such assertions as medically incorrect.
“The venom was already in the bloodstream. IV fluids are used to stabilise the patient, support circulation and help the body cope while antivenom is administered,” she explained.
She noted that many snake venoms, especially those from cobras, can affect the muscles responsible for breathing, making urgent hospital care critical to prevent respiratory failure.
In Ifunanya’s case, the doctor suggested that delayed hospital presentation and excessive movement after the bite — which occurred on the hand, close to the heart — may have worsened the situation and accelerated the venom’s effects.
“Running, struggling or moving excessively after a bite increases blood circulation and spreads venom faster, particularly when the bite is on an upper limb,” she warned.
The clinician called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s public health information system, stressing that the reaction to the singer’s death highlights a deeper problem of medical misinformation.
She warned that false medical advice shared online can influence relatives and first responders during emergencies, potentially leading to fatal outcomes. She urged the public, media practitioners and social media users to verify health information with qualified professionals.
“Emergency medical decisions are guided by established clinical protocols, not myths circulating online. Speaking publicly without accurate knowledge can do serious harm,” she said.
She further clarified that IV fluids are not cures for specific illnesses but are supportive measures used when patients cannot eat, are vomiting, or require stabilisation during treatment.
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