Guwahati: In Assam’s Sivasagar district, a series of unusual suspected envenomation cases linked to unidentified in shallow pond waters has raised concern among local health workers.
The issue came to light after a resident, Shahidul Islam, suffered sudden severe pain, vomiting, and infection following a bite-like injury while fishing in a household pond in Demow. This prompted doctors to explore an experimental treatment approach that has reportedly shown early signs of improvement in multiple patients.
A cluster of medically unexplained bite-like injuries in water bodies across Demow in Sivasagar district has left health workers searching for answers, after more than 100 patients reportedly showed symptoms ranging from intense pain and swelling to severe infection and tissue damage.
Shahidul Islam, one of the recent patients, experienced what he described as a sudden “sharp and burning pain” near his ankle while fishing in a shallow pond. “Within minutes, I started vomiting, and the pain kept increasing,” he recalled.
According to Surjit Giri, who is involved in managing such cases, the incidents do not consistently match snakebite patterns.
“We initially suspected snake envenomation, but the clinical signs were not typical,” he said.
Earlier cases included a fatality identified as Haren Khar, raising alarm among medical teams.
With no specific antivenom available, doctors initiated a trial-based medication protocol.
“This is not a confirmed cure, but a supportive experimental approach,” Giri clarified.
Following treatment, Shahidul Islam was discharged after five days, though he developed infection-related complications.
“We saw gradual stabilization after therapy,” the doctor noted.
Health workers now urge urgent hospital care for any unexplained aquatic bite, warning that “delays can worsen outcomes.”
The findings remain under observation pending scientific validation.