“Urgent search for medication“: Almaty officials respond to report of child bitten by snake
Tengrinews.kz — Social media reports have emerged claiming that Almaty lacks viper antivenom. The author of the post alleged that a child had to be rushed to the hospital after a snakebite, and that the initial dose of the medication had to be brought in from Uzbekistan.
Tengrinews reached out to the Almaty Healthcare Department to verify this information and determine whether the city is actually facing a shortage of antivenom.
"Urgent search for medication": What happened to the girl
A Kazakhstani woman posted on social media that her friends' child had been bitten by a snake. According to her, the girl is currently in intensive care while her family struggles to find the necessary medication.
"Almaty, did you know that there isn't a single dose of viper antivenom in our city?" the woman wrote.
She claimed that the first dose of the antidote for the child was brought from Uzbekistan, but it was allegedly not enough.
"We are urgently looking for the drug. We are ready to buy it for any amount of money."
Within a few hours, the post garnered over three thousand reactions, though the author later deleted it (a screenshot is held by the editorial office).
"Swelling around the eyes": Health department response
According to the Almaty Healthcare Department, the 11-year-old girl was admitted to the Almaty Children's Emergency Medical Center on September 19 following a mountain hike.
"The parents could not identify exactly what animal or insect bit the child. At the time of admission, the girl exhibited swelling around the eyes and on her left foot—where the bite occurred—as well as lethargy and drowsiness," the department noted.
Specialists stated that after an initial examination, doctors admitted the patient to the intensive care unit.
"Doctors have not confirmed that the child was bitten specifically by a viper, but they have not ruled out the possibility either. According to our data, this is the first registered case in Almaty where a snakebite is being considered," the statement read.
Given the symptoms and potential risks, the child was administered one dose of antivenom. The Healthcare Department stated that reports of the drug being ordered from Uzbekistan are untrue.
"The necessary medication was available at the hospital at the time of the child's admission and remains in stock now," the city health officials assured.
The girl's current condition
After receiving the antivenom, the girl's condition improved and is now stable. She remains under medical observation.
The Healthcare Department also explained that additional doses of antivenom are not administered immediately.
"Additional doses are administered based on medical indications, taking into account the clinical presentation and the patient's progress. If the condition improves, a second dose is not given," specialists commented.
According to the department, antivenom is available in Almaty hospitals, including at trauma centers.