KwaZulu-Natal Teen Bitten by Puff Adder, Mom Shares Photos of His Hand
- One South African mom stunned the internet with her shocking revelation, which sparked massive traction
- The 17-year-old boy was said to have been walking in the bush in KwaZulu-Natal, where a puff adder spotted him
- The snake bit him, and he had to rush to the hospital due to the swelling, The National Health Laboratory Service spoke to Briefly News about the availability of antivenom in the country
A South African teenager's attempt to capture a picture of a puff adder ended in a terrifying ordeal after the venomous snake bit him.
Source: Getty Images
Teen bitten by puff adder, mom shares photos
The incident, shared by his mother on social media, has sparked widespread attention, accompanied by shocking images of his swollen hand.
The 17-year-old reportedly encountered the puff adder in the bush in the KwaZulu-Natal province. He then spotted the puff adder and decided to take a closer shot of the reptile. However, the snake struck unexpectedly, leaving him with a severe bite.
Arno Naude shared under the boy's mom's post explaining how the incident occurred by saying:
"He grabbed it by the head (incorrectly) and posed for a photo. When he went to release it, as he let it go at the same time, he dropped his phone, and before the snake could move off, he grabbed at his phone. Big mistake. In a split second, it penetrated with one fang on his right hand," he wrote.
The young man was then rushed to the hospital, where he was given four vials of antivenom. They were considering fasciotomy surgery due to the cytotoxic bites. After consulting a doctor, the swelling subsided, but the pain persisted for several days.
KZN boy's snake bite progress
The teenager's mother constantly shared the young man's progress with her social media user friends. The boy's hand seemed to have been improving. She revealed that the swelling had gone down and that the blue under his thumb had decreased, too.
In the latest update, the woman shared about her son, she went on to say the following:
"Alexander is doing well. He is starting to talk and laugh again like his old self. He keeps his hand elevated at all times. This helps with the swelling. His hand looks better every day. Slowly but surely, he is getting there. He still complains about his hand being sore. But he can manage it."
Take a look at the photos.
What to do when you get bitten by a snake
Speaking to Briefly News reporter Rutendo Masasi, the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) emphasised that seeking medical attention immediately after a snake bite is the most important. The NHLS said:
"Take immediate action by seeking medical attention at the nearest hospital. Prompt treatment is vital for the best outcome."
According to the Cleveland Clinic, here are the following ways to treat a nonvenomous snake bite
- Cleaning the bite with soap and water.
- Covering it with a bandage.
- Monitor the area and inform your healthcare provider if you have signs of infection, such as swelling, pus, or pain.
How is a venomous snake bite treated?
Antivenom (antivenin) is used to treat venomous snake bites. Antivenom is an antibody treatment that lessens the impact of venom on the body. You can get the antivenom by injection or intravenous (IV) (through a needle in your arm) to start working as soon as possible.
NHLS discussed the availability of antivenom to all in South Africa with Briefly News. The South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP) registered with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority manufactures antivenom. Healthcare facilities and registered depots in health departments and the private sector distribute antivenom where it is needed the most. However, the NHLS highlighted that SAVP 's antivenom for deadly snakes isn't always available:
"The reserves of SAVP antivenom are currently depleted, with the exception of the Boomslang antivenom."
Understanding the snake's size, colour, and shape helps doctors select the appropriate antivenom for a specific bite, with monospecific antivenoms treating specific snake types and polyspecific antivenoms treating multiple snake types.
The need for a blood transfusion can arise if the bite results in more significant than usual blood loss. You could require intravenous fluids (by a needle in your arm) if your blood pressure falls below a specific threshold.
You'll also need to be closely watched at a hospital because antivenom can have negative side effects.
Source: Getty Images
Snakes that have bitten South Africans
- South Africans were hurt when a matriculant died after getting bitten by a snake.
- Briefly News reported that a visitor at a Drakensberg hotel, who was bitten by a poisonous snake, had to be airlifted to the hospital on Sunday, 2 October 2025.
- Joshua Castle, a brave Australian snake catcher, recently came close to suffering a bite from a large snake while on a mission.
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Source: Briefly News
