Two tragic incidents in Kerala have claimed the lives of two 13-year-old girls from snake bites within a span of two weeks. The first victim, Niya Lenin of Aroor, died on Sunday morning while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kochi. She was bitten by a snake on May 6 while walking to her dance class.
Initially, Niya thought an ant had stung her and proceeded to her class, continuing with her practice. However, an hour later, she collapsed and developed health issues. Suspecting a snake bite, she was taken to a nearby hospital. As her condition worsened, she was transferred to a hospital in Kochi, where she remained on ventilator support. She was declared dead at 7:28 a.m. on Sunday.
In a separate incident, another 13-year-old girl, Rajeshwari, daughter of Raman and Ambika of Chakkathara in Nenmara, Palakkad, died on Sunday morning after battling for life for nearly two weeks following a cobra bite. The incident occurred on May 14 while Rajeshwari was playing inside her house. She was alone at the time. When her family returned from work in the evening, they found her unconscious with froth coming from her mouth.
She was first taken to the primary health centre in Nenmara and later shifted to a private hospital in Alathur. As her condition deteriorated, she was moved to the Government Medical College in Thrissur for specialized treatment. However, she succumbed to her injuries on Sunday morning. Rajeshwari was a Class VIII student of LNS UP School.
These incidents highlight the dangers posed by venomous snakes in residential areas and the importance of immediate medical attention. Health authorities urge people to seek prompt treatment if a snake bite is suspected, as delays can be fatal. The families of both victims are in mourning, and the community has expressed condolences.
