Deadly Bite: Tourist Dies in Hainan After Suspected Snake Attack
Recently, a 27-year-old female tourist in Sanya, Hainan, died after being bitten by a suspected snake, sparking social concern. Hainan Province has 74 species of snakes, of which 27 are venomous. The incident occurred on June 1 when the tourist, Li Li, and her boyfriend were walking near their hotel in Sanya. She was bitten by an unknown creature, suspected to be a poisonous snake, in a greenbelt area about 300 meters from the hotel. Her boyfriend immediately took Li Li back to the hotel and washed her wound with tap water, trying to squeeze out the venom, but it was not successful due to the small amount of muscle tissue on her toes.
4 June 2025
Li Li and her boyfriend then took a taxi to Sanya Central Hospital, which they believed had a high level of medical care in the local area. During the journey, Li Li experienced nausea and vomiting, and her wound began to swell slightly. When they arrived at the hospital, they told the doctor that they suspected Li Li had been bitten by a snake, but the doctor said it was possible that it was an insect bite and treated her accordingly. Li Li's condition worsened, and she experienced severe vomiting, dizziness, and convulsions. The hospital gave her an anti-emetic injection and conducted two blood tests, and after the second blood test, the doctor suggested that it might be a snake bite and recommended transferring her to another hospital, the 425 Hospital.
Li Li was transferred to the 425 Hospital, where she was treated in a four-bed ward, but unfortunately, her condition continued to deteriorate, and she was pronounced dead at 7:20 am. The Sanya Municipal Health Commission has intervened in the incident and is investigating the cause of Li Li's death. The commission has set up an investigation team and sealed the medical records of the two hospitals involved. The family of the deceased is seeking answers and demanding to know why the hospital did not treat Li Li as a snake bite case initially, which may have delayed her treatment and ultimately led to her death.
Experts suspect that the victim might have been bitten by a venomous snake, and the symptoms described, such as vomiting, numbness, and eventual respiratory failure, align with the venom effects of such a snake. The critical "golden 2 hours" for treating snakebites were potentially wasted due to the delayed diagnosis. Experts emphasize the importance of prompt and correct diagnosis and treatment in snakebite cases. The venom of some snakes can cause severe symptoms, and timely administration of antivenom is crucial. For instance, the silver ring snake, one of the most venomous snakes in China, has a potent neurotoxin that can cause respiratory failure and death if left untreated.
In Hainan, there are 74 species of snakes, 27 of which are venomous, making it a high-risk area for snakebites. Citizens and tourists should be cautious when engaging in outdoor activities, especially in areas with dense vegetation. If someone is bitten by a snake, they should immediately seek medical help and provide detailed information, including the snake's species, the location of the bite, and the time of the incident. Meanwhile, they should remain calm, limit the activity of the affected area, and use antivenom treatment if available. The government and relevant departments should strengthen the management of snakes and other wild animals, particularly in tourist areas, and provide sufficient medical resources and emergency services, including antivenom and professional medical personnel.
In the event of a snakebite, the most effective treatment is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Experts advise against using mouth suction or cutting the wound, as these methods can cause more harm than good. Instead, the victim should remain calm, remove any constricting items, and keep the affected area below heart level. A simple bandage or tourniquet can be applied to the affected area, but it is essential to release the pressure every 15-20 minutes to prevent tissue damage. It is also crucial to provide medical professionals with as much information as possible, including a photo of the snake, to ensure timely and effective treatment.
According to medical experts, silver ring snake venom is a potent neurotoxin that can cause respiratory failure and death if left untreated. The snake's venom can cause symptoms such as numbness, weakness, and respiratory distress, which can progress rapidly if not treated promptly. In the case of Li Li, the delayed diagnosis and treatment may have contributed to her tragic death. Experts stress that prompt medical attention is essential in snakebite cases, and that antivenom should be administered within two hours of the bite to ensure the best possible outcome.
The incident has sparked a nationwide discussion on the importance of snakebite awareness and prevention. Many experts and medical professionals have come forward to share their expertise and provide guidance on how to prevent and treat snakebites. The government has also responded by increasing awareness campaigns and providing more resources for snakebite prevention and treatment. As the investigation into Li Li's death continues, it is essential to remember that snakebites can be deadly, and that prompt medical attention is crucial in preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future.