Snake bites in the UK: the facts

The statistics:

• The last death in the UK was in 1975 when a five-year-old boy was bitten on the ankle in Scotland.
• Research conducted after this showed there had been 14 deaths from adder bites in the previous 100 years.
• One death between 1950 and 1972 in England and Wales but 61 deaths from bee or wasp stings.
• About 100 adder bites are now reported in the UK each year, with most between February and October.

Medical information:

• According to NHS advice, adder bite symptoms include swelling, vomiting, nausea and dizziness.
• In most cases, the only treatment required is observation in hospital.
• More severe bites are treated with anti-venom medication.
• Children bitten by an adder will usually make a full recovery in about one to three weeks
• Adults usually require more than three weeks to recover fully.