Remarkable Survival of King Cobra Bite in Assam: A Medical Milestone

In a remarkable medical event, a 35-year-old man from Assam has survived a king cobra bite, marking the first confirmed survival of its kind in the region. The patient, Babul Rabha, was treated through a coordinated medical response after initially delaying treatment. Experts highlight the importance of teamwork and timely communication in managing such rare and dangerous envenomations. This case not only showcases the potential for survival in extreme circumstances but also emphasizes the need for effective snakebite management strategies. Read on to learn more about this extraordinary incident and the medical efforts involved.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 22, 2025, 09:18 IST

First Documented Survival of King Cobra Bite in Assam

Guwahati, Dec 22: In a groundbreaking medical achievement, a 35-year-old man named Babul Rabha has survived a king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) bite in Assam, marking the first confirmed case of survival from such an incident in the region.

Dr. Surajit Giri, a consultant anaesthesiologist with the National Health Mission and a snakebite activist, stated, “This case is significant as it is the first confirmed survival following a king cobra bite reported in Assam. Literature indicates that there are very few documented cases in India, most of which have resulted in fatalities. King cobra bites are exceedingly rare, and the prognosis is often grim due to the lack of species-specific antivenom.”

The incident occurred on December 16 at around 11:30 am when Rabha, a resident of Nichinpur village in Kamrup district, accidentally grabbed the head of the snake while working in the bushes, resulting in a bite to his right palm. Initially, he experienced mild swelling without pain, which led to a delay in seeking medical help. However, as time passed, he developed increasing pain and swelling.

After being bitten, Rabha captured the snake and placed it in a bag. Thanks to the local communication and surveillance network, the incident was quickly reported to medical authorities, and the Local Venom Response Team transported him to Bamunigaon Model Hospital (Government CHC) by 1 pm.

Given the worsening local symptoms and the suspicion of cobra envenomation, the medical team administered 20 vials of polyvalent anti-snake venom (ASV). Since there were no signs of systemic or neurotoxic effects at the time of presentation, the initial treatment continued at the model hospital.

At around 2 pm, trained snake rescuers confirmed the species as king cobra through photographic identification. Due to the nature of the snake and the unavailability of species-specific antivenom, the patient was urgently referred to a higher medical facility with intensive care capabilities, specifically Gauhati Medical College (GMC), located about 1.5 hours away. The transfer was facilitated by effective inter-facility coordination, as noted by Dr. Giri.

More than 24 hours after the bite, Rabha remained clinically stable, experiencing only persistent local pain and swelling, with no signs of neurotoxic or systemic complications.

Dr. Giri suggested that the case might involve low venom inoculation or a partial/dry bite, as the symptoms indicated primarily local venom effects rather than severe neurotoxicity.

The medical team at Bamunigaon Model Hospital included Dr. Francis Rahang and Dr. Vineet, while the team at Gauhati Medical College was led by Prof. Raj Pratim Das along with the emergency ICU staff.

The snake rescuers involved in the case were Bikash Boro, Rubul Rajbanshi, and Mantu Rabha, all hailing from Boko in Kamrup district.

Dr. Giri, who was in Guwahati for a state-level training program for over 500 doctors from Assam during this period, personally visited and interacted with the patient.

“This case underscores the importance of organized teamwork, timely communication, and coordinated referral systems, which can lead to successful outcomes even in rare and high-risk envenomations like king cobra bites. Effective management of snakebites is possible when healthcare providers, rescue teams, and referral centers collaborate as a cohesive unit,” he concluded.