nigricincta is a spitting cobra and is frequently encountered in Namibia. The Namibian Snakebite Interest Group (NSIG) is involved with ~10 - 20 zebra snake (Naja nigricincta nigricincta) envenomations annually (PJCB and ELS, members of NSIG, personal communication Francois Theart, official snake rescue and anti-poaching agent, personal communication). There is no official database on snakebite in Namibia. Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world (population 2.5 million) and home to an abundance of wildlife, including snakes. Each year, snakebite affects the lives of around 4.5 million people worldwide, seriously injuring 2.7 million men, women and children, and claiming some 125 000 lives. The World Health Organization added snakebite to the list of Neglected Tropical Diseases in 2009. Three case reports of patients with rhabdomyolysis, intravascular haemolysis and coagulopathy following N. Although there have been a few reports of infant fatalities, acute renal failure and mild coagulation problems, systemic effects after envenomation were not well documented. The focus of our treatment has always been the urgent treatment of necrosis. Although fatalities are thought to be rare, the severe cytotoxic effects and debilitating consequences of neglected bites are well documented. Zebra snake (Naja nigricincta nigricincta) bite is a significant health problem in Namibia.

IIMB ChB, MMed (ORL) Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon, Private practice, Windhoek, Namibia Namibian snakebite management expert Founding member and head of the Namibian Snakebite Interest Group IMB ChB, MMed (Anaesth) Anaesthetist, Private Practice, Windhoek, Namibia Member of the Namibian Snakebite Interest Group Spitting cobra (Naja nigricincta nigricincta) bites complicated by rhabdomyolysis, possible intravascular haemolysis, and coagulopathy

Zebra cobra snake