Two-year-old toddler bitten by a snake in Beit Shemesh, in moderate condition

A two-year-old toddler was bitten by a snake this afternoon, Saturday, at her home in Beit Shemesh. She was evacuated to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem in moderate condition.

The toddler was bitten in the yard of the house. Her family, having noticed the incident, took her to the Terem clinic, where they requested an ambulance from Magen David Adom (MDA).

MDA stated that the report was received at 16:28 at the 101 dispatch center of the Jerusalem district, confirming that a toddler had been bitten by a snake in a residential yard and brought to a local clinic.

How to act in case of a snake bite

In the event of a snake bite, the Ministry of Health instructs to call MDA immediately and follow the precise instructions provided by paramedics until the medical team arrives. Until help arrives, it is important to calm the person who was bitten and lay them down so that the bitten limb is below heart level and remains immobile. Lack of movement and maintaining a low pulse are essential to slow the spread of venom and reduce potential damage. Furthermore, as the area of the bite may swell, it is recommended to remove jewelry or tight clothing.

The Ministry of Health clarifies that there are actions that must not be taken under any circumstances:

• Do not attempt to suck the venom out.

• Do not immobilize the bitten limb.

• Do not cool the area.

• Do not apply a tourniquet.

Additionally, since snakes are protected animals by law, it is forbidden to kill them. If the snake died, it should be brought to the hospital carefully, without touching its fangs.

"In Israel, there are several dozen species of snakes, some of which are venomous, including the viper, the saw-scaled viper, the carpet viper, and the elapid," the Ministry of Health states. Most snakes are active mainly at night, while during the day they tend to hide under rocks or inside piles of leaves. When going out into nature, it is important to walk on lit paths, wear high, closed shoes, and long pants. The ministry also reminds that snakes attack only when they feel threatened; therefore, in case of an encounter, it is recommended to keep a distance.