Mahottari, May 13 -- The number of snakebite cases has surged in the Mahottari district with the onset of intense summer heat, health officials said. The Snakebite Treatment Centre in Bardibas has reported a notable rise in patient inflow since mid-April.

According to Bhola Chaudhary, chief of the treatment team at the centre, only 13 patients were treated between mid-March and mid-April. However, the number rose sharply to 47 cases between mid-April and May 13.

"Due to the increasing ground temperature, snakes are emerging from underground shelters, leading to more incidents," Chaudhary said. While the centre currently has nine beds allocated for snakebite patients, staff are facing challenges in managing the growing patient load.

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