By I. Inojales | 10:11 AM July 10, 2025
TAGBILARAN CITY — Authorities are urging the public to immediately seek hospital treatment and anti-venom after any snakebite, following the death of a woman bitten by a king cobra in Sevilla town, Bohol.
The victim, identified as Analinda Polinar Dultra, 52, of Barangay Cabancalan, was feeding rabbits outside her home around 2 p.m. on Monday when a king cobra bit her on the foot. She managed to slap the snake away but was bitten again on the hand.
Instead of being brought directly to a hospital, Dultra was taken to a folk healer who said the venom had already spread through her body. It wasn’t until around 4 p.m., about two hours later, that she was rushed to a local health center and then referred to the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center in Tagbilaran City, where she was declared dead on arrival.
Neighbors later found and killed the king cobra, which was estimated to be two meters long.
Health authorities emphasized that snakebites, especially from venomous species like king cobras, are medical emergencies that require immediate hospital treatment and administration of anti-venom. Delays in receiving proper care can lead to severe complications or death.
“In any snakebite incident, go directly to the nearest hospital. Anti-venom is the only effective treatment for venomous bites,” a local health official reminded the public.
