Snakes washed by flood into Kanke, Kanam and other communities in Plateau have bitten more than 50 people in the last two weeks.
A report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), says Rep. Timothy Golu, representative of the area at the National Assembly, confirmed the development in Jos after visiting the victims.
Golu said that some had died while others in critical conditions were on admission in various hospitals and traditional snake treating homes.
He said that 13 victims were at Zamko clinic in Langtang, 20 in traditional healers' treatment homes, seven in herbalists' centres, while some visit the centres for daily treatment owing to lack of bed space.
"Some have even been treated and discharged, but a woman at my place, who has been treated and discharged, still has pus gushing from the bitten spot and we have advised her to return to the hospital for fresh checks.
"We fear that something worse may result from the wound if not properly treated because she is already limping,'' he said.
Describing the situation as "very scary and pathetic'', Golu said that the snakes, who move openly and always in pairs, were washed into the communities by flood.
"As the flood pushed them from the over flown tributaries of Rivers Benue and Niger, some snakes climbed trees, others entered holes while some just held unto any available straw.
"All of them later descended into residences and farms where they have been wrecking havoc.''
He said that the commonest species were the black mamba, carpet viper and cobra, and declared that most victims usually depend on luck to survive.
Golu urged the Federal and Plateau Governments to treat the snake invasion as "a national medical emergency concern'', and give it the same response given to HIV/AIDS and the Ebola virus.
"Government must come in with full force and ensure that the anti-snake venom is provided to the people free of charge because it is too expensive for the rural poor.
"Other world health bodies like WHO and UNICEF should also step in because it is a serious situation that requires all hands on deck.''
The law maker also called on the federal and state governments to fumigate the homes, farmlands and the general environment of the communities to reduce the number of snakes, especially since they appeared to be reproducing.
Golu said that some had died while others in critical conditions were on admission in various hospitals and traditional snake treating homes.
He said that 13 victims were at Zamko clinic in Langtang, 20 in traditional healers' treatment homes, seven in herbalists' centres, while some visit the centres for daily treatment owing to lack of bed space.
"Some have even been treated and discharged, but a woman at my place, who has been treated and discharged, still has pus gushing from the bitten spot and we have advised her to return to the hospital for fresh checks.
"We fear that something worse may result from the wound if not properly treated because she is already limping,'' he said.
Describing the situation as "very scary and pathetic'', Golu said that the snakes, who move openly and always in pairs, were washed into the communities by flood.
"As the flood pushed them from the over flown tributaries of Rivers Benue and Niger, some snakes climbed trees, others entered holes while some just held unto any available straw.
"All of them later descended into residences and farms where they have been wrecking havoc.''
He said that the commonest species were the black mamba, carpet viper and cobra, and declared that most victims usually depend on luck to survive.
Golu urged the Federal and Plateau Governments to treat the snake invasion as "a national medical emergency concern'', and give it the same response given to HIV/AIDS and the Ebola virus.
"Government must come in with full force and ensure that the anti-snake venom is provided to the people free of charge because it is too expensive for the rural poor.
"Other world health bodies like WHO and UNICEF should also step in because it is a serious situation that requires all hands on deck.''
The law maker also called on the federal and state governments to fumigate the homes, farmlands and the general environment of the communities to reduce the number of snakes, especially since they appeared to be reproducing.
