This Saturday, September 27, during a conference organized by the Martinique University Hospital in the Gros-Morne, the municipality announced an unprecedented project: the creation of a serpentarium in the town.
The Lanceolatus, or trigonocephale Bothrops, is the only poisonous snake in Martinique. Present on the island for more than 4.2 million years, it remains both feared and protected.
While the number of bite is increasing, a conference on the theme of the bite of this snake took place this Saturday, September 27, in the Gros-Morne.
Objective: to raise awareness of the envenation by snake bite and inform them about news in terms of treatments.
It is in this context that the Municipality of Gros-Morne announced the establishment of the very first STARPENTARIUM on the island in the town.
A serpentorium is a specialized place, dedicated to snakes. With this project, the commune of the Gros-Morne adopts both a scientific posture (producing serum) and educational (inform the population about the trigonocephale).
Yolande Burac, municipal councilor responsible for health and well-being, specifies the contours:
We have an objective to set up a SERPENTARIUM on the territory, which would allow us to make our anti-venine serum ourselves. It would be beneficial for the Martinicans, but also for the whole Caribbean.
Yolande Burac Municipal councilor responsible for health policy, well -being and living environment at the Grosne
Today, the Bothrofav serum is available at the CHU, but it remains imported. A serpentarium would offer more autonomy and strengthen research around this unique species in the world.
If the trigonocephalus is protected by law, it continues to worry the Martinicans. And for good reason, his bite can cause serious medical complications.
“You have to know it, but you have to know how to live with“, insists Yolande Burac. The specialists also note that snakes are getting closer and closer to the dwellings, sometimes unintentionally transported under the hood of a car or taking advantage of the rivers current.
Professor Dabor Resiere, chief of clinical toxicology service at the Martinique University Hospital, nevertheless recalls that the management has improved considerably.
We have not had any death for over 20 years. But bites are increasing: we were 25-30 cases per year, we are now at 40-45.
Professor Dabor Resieur, doctor in resuscitation at the CHUM and head of clinical toxicology department
Beyond the announcement of the STARPENTARIUM, the conference was an opportunity to recall the right reflexes to adopt: immediately call on the 15th, immobilize the affected member and avoid any incision, suction or tourniquet.
Simple measurements can also limit the risks around houses: avoid brush, protect food from rodents, or even raise beds. In hiking, boots, long pants and vigilance remain in order.
“We must fear the bite, because the trigonocephalus is very poisonous, in the absence of care we can die. This is why we have this kind of meeting, to inform, educate and protect“Concludes Professor Resiere.
