A Jacobsdal resident was bitten by a puff adder while attending the South African Junior Tug of War Championships in Hartenbos.
Image: Supplied
A RELAXING evening in Hartenbos, Western Cape, turned into a terrifying ordeal for Northern Cape resident Cecile Koen, from Jacobsdal, when she was bitten by a puff adder while attending the South African Junior Tug of War Championships.
Koen and her family had arrived at the ATKV chalets on Wednesday to support the young athletes competing in the event. At around 9pm, as they walked over to another chalet where the children were gathered, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her foot.
“I initially thought it was a scorpion,” Koen recalled. “But when we looked down, we saw a small puff adder. It all happened so fast.”
Her husband, in a state of shock, immediately rushed her to the nearest emergency room. Upon arrival at the hospital’s casualty department, doctors took swift action to assess the severity of the bite.
“The doctor put me on a drip and administered cortisone to manage the swelling,” Koen explained. “He told me that if the swelling reached my knee within four hours, I would need antivenom. Fortunately, the swelling remained localised around my foot.”
The puff adder that bit Cecile.
Image: Supplied
Puff adders are among South Africa’s most venomous snakes, known for their potent cytotoxic venom, which can cause severe tissue damage and swelling. In some cases, untreated bites can lead to life-threatening complications.
Koen is grateful for the quick medical response and is now recovering well. Her frightening experience serves as a stark reminder to always be cautious in areas where snakes may be present, especially during warmer months when they are more active.
Despite the ordeal, Koen remains in good spirits and is thankful that she escaped with only minor complications. “It was a close call, but I’m just grateful to be okay,” she said.
The incident has sparked conversations among event organisers and visitors about the importance of snake awareness, particularly in outdoor recreational spaces.
Koen’s story is a testament to the importance of remaining vigilant and seeking immediate medical attention when encountering venomous wildlife.
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