A 35-year-old utility worker at Southern Leyte State University in Sogod town survived a life-threatening cobra bite after being rushed for emergency medical treatment, authorities said.
The worker, identified only by the alias “Jose,” was clearing a grassy area on the university’s main campus when he was bitten by a venomous cobra.
According to university officials, the incident occurred while the employee was performing routine maintenance duties around the school grounds.
Leo Alvarez Omamalin, a supervising administrative officer of the university, said the worker was immediately assisted by school personnel after the attack.
The snake reportedly struck Jose’s thigh even though he was wearing boots and thick denim pants.
Despite the protective clothing, the cobra’s fangs managed to pierce through.
In the struggle that followed, the worker managed to grab the snake and subdue it, preventing further bites.
The victim was initially brought to a local hospital in Sogod before being transferred to the Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Tacloban City, which is the only hospital in Region 8 known to maintain a supply of cobra anti-venom.
Doctors administered anti-tetanus medication, intravenous fluids, and a dose of purified cobra anti-venom to counteract the snake’s venom.
The quick transfer to a hospital with the proper treatment was credited for saving the worker’s life.
Authorities said the dead cobra was later taken into custody by hospital staff for identification and documentation.
The incident prompted the university to issue an advisory reminding students and employees to report snake sightings immediately and to coordinate with the campus health services office.
Health experts stress that snakebites require urgent medical attention, as anti-venom is the only proven treatment for venom from highly poisonous species such as cobras.
According to estimates cited by health experts, the Philippines records around 13,000 snakebite incidents each year, resulting in roughly 550 deaths nationwide.
University officials said the incident highlights the need for increased awareness and improved access to anti-venom in rural areas, where victims often have to travel long distances to receive life-saving treatment.
Despite the ordeal, the utility worker is expected to recover after receiving prompt medical care, officials said.
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