Health Tip of the Week, sponsored by Baton Rouge General: Snakebite do’s and don’ts

Louisiana is home to nearly 50 species of snakes, seven of them venomous. Fortunately, snake bites are relatively rare and most snake bites happen because people don’t realize a snake is there before placing a hand or stepping somewhere. If you think you’ve been bitten by a snake, don’t assume the snake was harmless. Always treat a snake bit like it’s venomous. Don’t try to kill the snake as that’s when many secondary snake bites happen. Call 9-1-1 or head to the nearest emergency room immediately and remove rings and watches before you start to swell. Learn more about what to do when a snake bites you.